ABSTRACT
Charles Darwin's autobiography reveals that the theory of evolution was almost lost for want of a proper nose. Darwin's nose practically cost him passage on the HMS Beagle, the ship from which he made many of the observations that spawned evolutionary theory Darwin's anecdote illustrated the tendency to "judge a book by its cover". Balzac described the "idle rich" as follows: his description of lawyers is not far removed from the current flurry of negative stereotypes. Other authors acclaimed for their psychological portrayals, such as Shakespeare and Dickens, are also masters at physical portrayals. Research indicates that the literary device of changing appearance conveys changes in character are highly effective. Someone who behaves in a nervous and timid manner in a first encounter is, not surprisingly, perceived as low in confidence, aggressiveness, and forcefulness. Finally, this chapter concludes that individual and social changes foster greater adherence to the adage "don't judge a book by its cover".
