The Handshake By Ella Al-Shamahi

“The Handshake: A Gripping History” by Ella Al-Shamahi

“The Handshake: A Gripping History” is an insightful exploration by Ella Al-Shamahi, a British paleoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist, and stand-up comedian. Published in 2021, the book delves into the origins and cultural significance of the handshake, tracing its history from at least seven million years ago to its sudden disappearance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Al-Shamahi examines how this simple yet powerful gesture has shaped diplomacy, relationships, and human interactions throughout history. From ancient rituals to political agreements and uncontacted tribes, she reveals how the handshake has endured as a symbol of trust and unity across cultures.

Key Themes

The Evolutionary History of the Handshake

The book explores how prehistoric humans may have used handshakes as a form of social bonding, much like primates use grooming. Evidence suggests that even Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens might have engaged in similar tactile greetings.

Handshakes in Politics and Business

Al-Shamahi highlights historic handshakes that changed the world, from peace treaties to business deals, explaining how this simple act has become a universal sign of agreement and goodwill.

The Future of Handshakes

In the wake of COVID-19, when physical contact became limited, the book explores whether handshakes will make a full return or if new forms of greeting—such as the elbow bump—will replace this age-old tradition.

Memorable Quotes from “The Handshake”

“The handshake is an ancient ritual, embedded in human nature, symbolizing trust and mutual respect.”

Translation (Sinhala): “අතට අත ගැටීම යනු මානව ස්වභාවයට බඳින ලද පුරාණ චාරිත්‍රයක් වන අතර, විශ්වාසය සහ තරගකරුවන් අතර ගෞරවය පළ කරන සංකේතයකි.”

Translation (Tamil): “கைக்குலுக்கல் என்பது மனித இயல்பில் பதிக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு பழமையான சடங்காகும், இது நம்பிக்கையையும் பரஸ்பர மரியாதையையும் குறிக்கிறது.”

“In a world full of words, a handshake remains a silent yet powerful form of communication.”

Translation (Sinhala): “වචනින් පිරුණු ලෝකයක, අතට අත ගැටීම යනු නිහතමානී නමුත් බලවත් සන්ධානයක් වේ.”

Translation (Tamil): “வார்த்தைகளால் நிரம்பிய உலகில், கைக்குலுக்கல் அமைதியானதாய் இருந்தாலும், சக்திவாய்ந்த தொடர்பாகும்.”

“The history of the handshake is a story of trust, agreements, and human connection.”

Translation (Sinhala): “අතට අත ගැටීමේ ඉතිහාසය විශ්වාසය, ගිවිසුම් සහ මානව සබඳතාවය පිළිබඳ කතාවකි.”

Translation (Tamil): “கைக்குலுக்கலின் வரலாறு என்பது நம்பிக்கை, உடன்படிக்கைகள் மற்றும் மனித இணைப்பு பற்றிய கதை.”

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You can purchase The Handshake: A Gripping History from our bookstore or visit our physical stores to obtain your copy.

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About the Book

Title: The Handshake: A Gripping History
Author: Ella Al-Shamahi
ISBN: 9780593098264
Publisher: Penguin Books
Published Year: 2021
Number of Pages: 176
Binding: Hardcover

Next Read

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari