60 pages • 2 hours read
David AbramThe Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Spell of the Sensuous, David Abram explores the relationship between human perception, language, and the natural world, arguing that modern society's reliance on technology and literacy has dulled sensory experiences and disconnected individuals from the environment. He draws on personal experiences and philosophical inquiry, examining how language shapes human engagement with nature and advocating for a more embodied, participatory approach to the natural world. The book discusses historical eras of colonization, cultural displacement, loss of Indigenous knowledge, and ecological disruption.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram is praised for its poetic and profound exploration of the human connection to nature. Abram's interdisciplinary approach, blending phenomenology, anthropology, and environmental thought, captivates readers. However, some find his arguments occasionally idealistic and meandering. Overall, the book is a thought-provoking and eloquent read.
Who Should Read The Spell of the Sensuous?
Nature enthusiasts and philosophy buffs will find joy in David Abram's The Spell of the Sensuous. If you were captivated by Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac or Thoreau's Walden, this book's exploration of the human-nature connection is a must-read.