The World in Six Songs

How did the six kinds of songs make humans who we are? Author Levitin, a rock musician turned neuroscientist, examines these six musical archetypes--songs of friendship, joy, comfort, knowledge, religion, and love. Levitin brings energy and enthusiasm to his narration as he shares his ideas through a blend of personal experience, observation, and research. With a dramatic touch, he sets scenes, such as a prehistoric camp under attack or a group of modern high school students smoking. The book is about more than music; it looks at human emotion, ritual, and the workings of the brain. While some passages are complex, Levitin's delivery makes the material accessible to listeners. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine