A Left-Hand Turn Around the World: Chasing the Mystery and Meaning of All Things Southpaw.A LEFT-HAND TURN AROUND THE WORLD: Chasing the Mystery and Meaning of All Things Southpaw DAVID David, in the Bible David, d. c.970 B.C., king of ancient Israel (c.1010–970 B.C.), successor of Saul. The Book of First Samuel introduces him as the youngest of eight sons who is anointed king by Samuel to replace Saul, who had been deemed a failure. WOLMAN For the 10 to 12 percent of the world's population who use their left hands, life is often a series of challenges. From learning cursive writing Also called "script," a form of handwriting in which each letter of a word is connected to another letter. Contrast with "block lettering" or "printing," in which the individual letters do not touch. , to using scissors scissors Cutting instrument or tool consisting of a pair of opposed metal blades that meet and cut when the handles at their ends are brought together. Modern scissors are of two types: the more usual pivoted blades have a rivet or screw connection between the cutting ends , to determining where to sit at the dinner table, many lefties have a hard time in a right-dominated world. Journalist Wolman, himself a left-hander, explores the myths and stories surrounding southpaws (a term originally used to describe left-handed baseball pitchers), including their alleged alliance with Satan. He also takes a close look at the research into handedness handedness, habitual or more skillful use of one hand as opposed to the other. Approximately 90% of humans are thought to be right-handed. It was traditionally argued that there is a slight tendency toward asymmetrical physiological development favoring the right and its implications for brain organization. Wolman interviews some scientists who propose a link between language development and hand preference and others whose research on chimps suggest a fundamental role for handedness in human evolution. Wolman includes first-person anecdotes of encounters with left-handers, from lefty golfers in Japan to a double amputee am·pu·tee n. A person who has had one or more limbs removed by amputation. who nevertheless maintains his left-handedness. Wolman's book offers an informative and often humorous look at southpaws. Be Cape Press, 2005, 236 p., hardcever, $23. Yh. |
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