Ape to Apollo

Discover the thought-provoking insights of Ape to Apollo by David Bindman, published by Reaktion Books in 2002. This compelling paperback, spanning 264 pages, delves into the intricate relationship between race and aesthetics, tracing their origins back to the 18th century. Bindman argues that the concept of 'race' was a constructed notion, designed by Enlightenment thinkers to impose a rational framework on the diverse spectrum of humanity.

In this enlightening work, readers will explore how perceptions of beauty have long been intertwined with racial judgments, as Europeans evaluated the civility and aesthetic qualities of other cultures based on their appearances. Ape to Apollo offers a critical examination of these ideas, making it an essential read for anyone interested in ethnic studies, aesthetics, and the arts.