An interesting and informative book for people interested in beauty and its effects on our life.

As the Dean of Chicago’s Roosevelt University, and the Director and Founder of the Appearance Phenomenon Institute, Dr. Gordon L. Patzer summarized his 30 years of research and investigation of lookism for both women and men in Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined.

“Almost from the moment of birth, each of us is judged­ – silently, unconsciously, and nearly instantly – on the basis of everything that goes into the mix of qualities known as" ‘physical attractiveness.’ Dr. Patzer wrote, “…Sometimes termed ‘lookism’ – treating people in ways biased by their perceived individual level of physical attractiveness – the ‘physical attractiveness (PA)’ phenomenon has been studied in depth for decades by social scientists of many disciplines, including psychologists, sociologists, biologists, and anthropologists.”

Dr. Patzer continued to cover other aspects of his research of looks, he divided this book into 10 chapters: Older Than Civilization; Pass the Genes, Please: How Looks Drive Dating, Courtship, and Marriage; As the Twig Is Bent: How Physical Attractiveness Affects Family Dynamics; Readin’, Ritin’, Rithmetic,’ n ‘Ridicule; The Job Is Looking Good; Rendering Judgment: How Looks Affect Courtroom Results; Physiognomy and Public Service; Seeing Is Believing; The Dark Side of Physical Attractiveness; What Price for Good Looks? The Big Business of Beauty, and an Epilogue entitled “Rising Above the Effects of Lookism.” 

The following are some other interesting facts and statements covered by the book:

PA has a profound influence on how we define role models, who governs us, what products we buy, and what services we consume. 

“Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference” – Aristotle

To ancient Hebrews and the Christians, physical beauty was a reward from the Almighty, and its opposite was punishment. 

A Woman’s face is most beautiful and alluring once a month – exactly when she is at the peak of her fertility.

America’s last PA-challenged president was elected in 1860. 

Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined has 288 pages.  It is written in simple and plain English. It is an interesting and informative book for people interested in beauty and its effects on our life.