The Handshake cover art

The Handshake

A Gripping History

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The Handshake

By: Ella Al-Shamahi
Narrated by: Ella Al-Shamahi
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About this listen

Friends do it, strangers do it and so do chimpanzees - and it's not just deeply embedded in our history and culture, it may even be written in our DNA. The humble handshake, it turns out, has a rich and surprising history.

So let's join palaeoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi as she embarks on a funny and fascinating voyage of discovery - from the handshake's origins (at least seven million years ago) all the way to its sudden disappearance in March 2020. Drawing on new research, anthropological insights and first-hand experience, she'll reveal how this most friendly of gestures has played a role in everything from meetings with uncontacted tribes to political assassinations - and what it tells us about the enduring power of human contact.

Because the story of the handshake ... is far from over.

“It's a little book of wonder, it's fantastic” CHRIS EVANS

“A fabulously sparky, wide-ranging and horizon-broadening little study ... joyously unboring” SUNDAY TIMES

©2022 Ella Al-Shamahi (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd Anthropology Social Sciences Funny

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Critic reviews

“It's a little book of wonder; it's fantastic.” (Chris Evans)

“A fabulously sparky, wide-ranging and horizon-broadening little study...joyously unboring." (Sunday Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
A wonderful book on an intriguing topic. Inspired by social distancing during Covid but this will be as relevant in 20 years as much as it was 3 years ago because of handshake's history.

Ella is also the perfect narrator for this. It's a serious book but at times doesn't take itself too seriously. A lot Ella's humour comes through and adds to the charm. Absolutely would recommend.

Short but incredibly sweet

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Fabulous history of the humble handshake, beautifully read. One of my favourite books this year!

Simply Wonderful

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