The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World

This book has a lot of big words and quite a lot of repetition. However, the theory david Abram propounds is highly original. it doesnt talk down to the reader, is probably taken from his master thesis.It is an in depth descrition of the state humanity has found itself in, from a really unusual perspective.The natural language of the Earth arround us, and the way indigenous languages have always spoken from within their relationship with the specifics of locaction is something he experienced firsthand. He traces how we have lost that connection, as our language has used artificial means through which to communicate. he traced the breath based script of Hebrew, and later developments, so the point where modern humans so often communicate via entirely electronic medium, and the dire effects this has had, in terms of disconnect from the natural world. We forget that our existence is housed in an "animal" body. Afascinating read.

I found this an extraordinary book; I would suggest that if you want to find books with the same sensibility (but very different otherwise) you might be looking at Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf, Jung on archetypes and alchemy, the poetry of Keats and Coleridge, Novalis and Goethe, but this is an autobiographical account of his mystical-scientific experiences of the elemental presence of nature, of the movement of ants in a dance with the observer, of inhabiting the quality of wind and water.For those interested, the philosopher Rudolf Steiner gave a lecture early in the 20th century in which he described the 12 philosophical worldviews (see Human and Cosmic Thinking), pointing out how each was seen by its proponents is the one and only way of knowing reality when in fact full understanding requires all of them. During this he specifically describes a mode of experience, which he calls gnostic sensationalism, the ability to experience through the senses the deepest essential truths of nature and the world, and I've never found a more perfect example.

I have just received my book, less than 5 mins ago, gorgeous cover to feel as well as look at, what a nice gift this would be as well for those who appreciate finer aesthetics as well as eco and nature. I started reading the first page and it's words are making me want to sit down and read through now. It instantly feels authentic, moving and timeless. Perhaps a bit soon to write a full review, but these are my first and gut impressions.

The general idea behind this book is that alphabetic writing has allowed a degree conceptual abstraction that has isolated us from a reciprocal engagement with the natural world,to the detriment of all concerned. The first chapter was quite disconcerting, as I found it to be a rather melodramatic and cringe-worthy personal enlightenment narrative,that I felt would be patronising in the extreme for all but the most urbanised readers who've never even owned a pet or smoked a joint in the local park and spend all day in a plastic cubicle.Fortunately,for the rest of the book the author relinquishes this indulgence and presents a more sensible academic approach to the subject and only interjects emotional content sparingly. Throughout the rest of the book subjects such as animism/connection to landscape/time/space and air are tackled by examining how these areas are perceived by indigenous peoples such as the Australian Aborigines/Hopi and Navajo.The philosophical theories of Husserl and Merleau-Ponty regarding phenomenology and the participatory nature of perception are also draughted in to add weight and intellectual credibility. The writing is maintained at a level that never pushes the lay reader too far as regards technical philosophy and contains enough supporting anthropological and historical information to sustains ones interest.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I have rarely read a book that, within the few days it takes to read it, opens up such a wealth of insight and new perspectives. I will carry this message with me from now on. It's hard to say much about the content itself, one must simply read it and discover something quite profound

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Through a singularly lyrical prose Abram invites the reader to re-examine how we perceive the world around us - and, in particular, how we perceive our relationship to the 'more than human' world. Quasi-academic, thoroughly researched and drawing on a wide range of disciplines, The Spell of the Sensuous stands as a strong example of why Abram is considered by many to be one of the contemporary world's most innovative visionaries.

As an MA student studding Social Sculpture I found this book so very beautiful book that is the foundation for so much observation of life in the world. A must have for any student who wishes to study more deeply into life and the meaning of it.

I read this nearly 20 years ago, and just re-read it, enjoying it even more the second time because a group met to discuss it. It is poetic, with beauty and deep meaning, helping us bridge the gap between modern technological life and our roots with the earth.

Very much enjoying this fascinating book!

Lo he leido y compartido, he regalado 6 y a todos Les encanta

Sehr gute Analyse von der Beziehung des Menschen zur Natur.

This is an important, possibly vitally important work. It is eye-opening and thought-provoking. The author's main theme - the intimacy with nature experienced by preliterate societies and its loss in literate ones - is nigh impossible effectively to convey in words, especially the written word (as emphasised by the author), or even to oneself in thought, as the moment one tries to do so the matter abstracts itself from that which is experienced. The author makes valient efforts and the reader does get from this an intellectual understanding of his proposition. But he uses far too many words, repeats himself endlessly (and without much variety in expression). A book a third of the length would have been more elegant, more effective, better. In his postscript to this twentieth anniversary edition, the author seems a little too assured of the noteworthiness and literary merit of his work. But read my first sentence again, then read the book.