The book is well-organized. It begins with the basic structures of the head. It then goes beneath the surface to the cranium and its overlying muscles of facial expression.

 

The book is then divided into chapters based on the six basic expressions of sadness, joy, fear, digust, anger, and surprise. Examples of each of these are shown. A discussion and sketches of each of the important elements of the eyes, face, and lips positioning relative to underlying musculature depicting the six basic expressions is presented very well. The six basic expressions are shown in their most intense versions and progress to the more subtle characteristics. The provides a progression within each of these facial expression categories. These sketches relate to the action of the underlying muscles of facial expression and to those areas which particularly characterize the expression.

 

The last chapter depicts each of these expressions in their varying degrees with a side-by-side description and sketches. This is one of the most useful cahpters. It gives an overall view and summation of what has preceded.

 

I have come across very few books on the subject matter of facial expression. Those books that I have studied depict the expressions but do not relate them to the underlying musculature structure nor present the range of each expression.

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This is the first time that I have found a text that has included a description as well as the sketches. It is really an action book depicting the face in animation and well done at that.

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The portion of the book devoted to the anatomical basics of expression will be particularly interesting to the cosmetic surgeon. The study of anatomy as it relates to each of the six areas of facial expression and the particular points brought out by the author are well-portrayed. This makes it clear and easier to understand. The book would be an asset to the library of any cosmetic surgeon who has interest in the anatomic basis of facial expression. The books is 304 pages long and is a full 8-1/2 x 11 inch hardbound. I feel the listed price of $35.00 is a great bargain. The book is useful to those who do facial cosmetic surgery, are interested in photography, or have an interest in sketching facial expressions.

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The book also provides an excellent background for understanding facial expression from a physiological as well as a psychological point of view.​​

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American Journal of Plastic Surgery, Vol. 8, No. 2

First published June 1991