Rear View

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Witty, cultured, and shamelessly enjoyable, this book celebrates the behind, exploring its physical evolution and its role as a source of artistic and literary inspiration, as well as a reflection of social attitudes. The ancient Greeks revered the buttocks, depicting them enthusiastically in marble statuary. However, with the advent of the Christian era, the nude figure fell into shame, only to be revived in the fifteenth century by Florentine artists. This resurgence was short-lived, as the prudish Victorians later deemed everything below the waist embarrassing. Today, fashion designers emphasize the bottom as a focal point, making it essential for style-conscious individuals to pay attention to their rear view. Jean-Luc Hennig, a French linguist and essayist, begins by noting that "Buttocks" have existed since humanity stood upright, marking a crucial moment in evolution that led to the development of buttock muscles. This shift not only freed the hands but also altered the skull's engagement with the spinal column, facilitating brain development. Thus, Hennig humorously posits that our buttocks played a role in the emergence of human intellect. Beautifully written and incredibly humorous, this work makes a perfect gift for anyone.