Duncan Taub’s Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling delves into the curiously underexplored world of tickling, challenging the common assumption that tickling is a trivial subject. Taub’s comprehensive research spans various cultures and demographics, providing a refreshing perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of human behavior. His commitment to treating tickling as a serious research subject is evident throughout the book, offering a rich blend of information on its prevalence, cultural perceptions, and societal boundaries.

Taub’s work stands out for its depth and rigor. It effectively argues for the significance of tickling in understanding human social interaction. He approaches this topic with a commendable balance of academic diligence and engaging storytelling. His exploration of tickling’s evolutionary origins and its varied responses—from laughter to discomfort—highlights the complexity of this phenomenon. His willingness to address the uncomfortable or ‘icky’ aspects of tickling adds an honest and candid layer to the narrative.

The book excels in making academic research accessible and engaging. Taub skillfully navigates between scholarly discourse and reader-friendly language, ensuring the content resonates with lay readers and seasoned researchers. He thoughtfully explains his statistical data clearly, and his flexible approach to the material allows readers to engage with the book according to their interests. Taub’s transparent and curiosity-driven research process, evident even in the book’s title, invites readers into a world of scientific exploration. His concise summary of key findings and implications towards the end of the book is a testament to his thoughtful consideration of the reader’s experience.

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling could potentially open new avenues of inquiry in the field. Taub’s meticulous work and novel perspective make this a noteworthy addition to scientific literature. This book is compelling for anyone with an open mind, whether they are casually curious or deeply involved in research.

Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0CVRBX8F6