Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Human Senses

Muy interesante y bien escrito

A very informative book based on a clever idea : writing about human senses by comparing them with those of animals with specific abilities such as the peacock mantis shrimp with eyes that can see many more colour nuances than ours (but a brain unable to treat the information) or migrating birds having an amazing sense of direction. One animal epitomizes the sense that is dealt with in each chapter.The writing style feels lively, alternating careful descriptions with examples and occasional anecdotes or quotes from scientists the author met. Things are carefully explained with a nicely varied vocabulary. Besides the book's main subject I also enjoyed perceiving the enquiring mind and the creativity required by scientific research (to devise tools and experiments that can measure senses that are more refined than ours, for instance).Even though some points or concepts can feel a bit more difficult to grasp, esp. when complex devices are used for observations, Ms Higgins describes things in a very accurate, progressive way. However, I wish the publisher had inserted a few pictures and diagrams (ex: human inner ear and our sense of balance or the earth’s magnetic field to which migrating animal seems to be sensitive). I occasionally had to surf for illustrations while reading.I’m afraid Picador made a couple of inadequate choices in order to save on costs for the 2021 printed edition. There is a rich section with final notes but no numbers in the text that would allow easy, effective cross-referencing, for instance. However, even without proper access to the final notes and references the book is definitely worth reading!We obviously have many more than the five senses listed by Aristotle. You’ll find out about some of them in this book.

Dass Buch ist nicht nur unterhaltsam geschrieben, sondern beleuchtet auch interessante Facetten der Zoologie, die auch für den Menschen relevant sind. Nicht nur für Biologen!

I absolutely adored "Sentient" and couldn't put it down. The myriad of details, extraordinary facts and intricate information had me hooked from the beginning. The creatures all extraordinary, and a focus of detail on such positive links between the animal kingdom and our own senses and abilities was a much needed uplift in the midst of a time with gloomy news on a global and environmental stage.I applaud Jackie, her knowledge is second to none, and she writes with a lightness of touch which is beguiling and calmly didactic at the same time. Entrancing.

A must read - absolutely wonderful .A fascinating and incredibly inspiring book that catches the poetry and romance of science . Absolutely loved reading it , so beautifully written , and so much to learn about us and all the incredible senses we unconsciously rely on daily, definitely the best and most fascinating book I have read this year.Working in movie and script writing - this was as effortless and enjoyable as watching a film.Also -it is such a beautiful made book - wonderful illustrations , a perfect gift for someone who you love . A book to endlessly return to and treasure for years . Couldn’t recommend more . It is a gem .