This is a compendium of the disparate notions of human beauty throughout history and cultures. It illuminates how and why, for thousands of years, men and women across the globe have gone to elaborate lengths to alter their natural appearance. People persist in changing every part of their body in an attempt, not only to make themselves feel more attractive, but also to get attention, arouse envy, conform to the prevailing custom of their particular cultural group and show off their wealth and social status. The human desire for beautification is so universal that it appears to be an in-born trait. Thus each morning as we prepare to meet the world - brush our hair, clean our teeth, put on earrings or a tie - we are performing a time-honoured ritual. This book explores and attempts to explain why our concepts of beauty vary both historically and culturally. It is also a celebration of this great diversity and features hundreds of modes of adornment and embellishment.