Why does music move us? Why do we crave chocolate? Why do we see in colour? A Natural History of the Senses is both an exploration of the physical processes underlying our perceptions and an eloquent ode to life. Poet, pilot, naturalist, journalist, essayist and explorer Diane Ackerman takes each of the five senses in turn and weaves together scientific fact with lore, literary allusion and voluptuous description. With her unfailing curiosity about the world illuminating everything she turns her gaze upon, Diane Ackerman has created an inspirational grand tour of the senses.