Includes bibliographical references (p. [165]-214) and index.

What Pythagoras unleashed upon the world -- What is beautiful is good -- Darwin, sexual selection and the peacock's tail -- The naked woman and man -- Of hourglasses and triangles : human body weight and shape -- The Venus of Willendorf, Rubens and milking huts -- Welcome to the mating market -- No one is an island -- Getting to know you -- What future for physical attraction research?

This book begins the task of providing a scientific look at physical attraction by presenting an overview of scholarly work on physical beauty, culture, evolution, and other aspects of human attractiveness. It begins by discussing the role of evolution in the development of what it means to be "attractive" in contemporary society. It provides a general overview of evolutionary psychology and mate choice, as well as an in-depth focus on physical characteristics such as physical symmetry, body weight, and ratios, and youthfulness. It goes on to explore the role of societal and cultural ideals of beauty through a discussion of the social psychology of human beauty. Finally, the "morality" of physical attractiveness is examined, looking at issues such as discrimination on the basis of looks, body image and eating disorders, and cosmetic surgery.