Approaching Facial Difference Past and Present

“Approaching Facial Difference Past and Present” by Patricia Skinner, published by Bloomsbury Academic on November 28, 2019, is a comprehensive exploration of the representation of faces throughout history. This 264-page volume delves into the complex relationship between facial difference and personhood, examining how societal perceptions of beauty and ugliness have evolved. The book addresses the often-overlooked significance of faces in human interactions, making it a valuable resource for scholars in various fields.

Readers will find an interdisciplinary collection of essays that investigate linguistic, visual, and material approaches to the face, spanning from antiquity to contemporary times. The contributors emphasize the importance of facial diversity in shaping historical and cultural narratives, offering insights relevant to disciplines such as history, social history, literary criticism, and psychology. This edition serves as a critical resource for those interested in the intersections of science, human anatomy, and the social implications of facial representation.