He was a brilliant anatomy professor and dedicated to his students. Lawrence Elson’s legacy is rooted in his textbook, “It’s Your Body” (1975), and his renowned “Anatomy Coloring Book,” which has sold millions of copies worldwide. His new book, in collaboration with his wife, Ellyn, “The Human Body Coloring Book” (2022), exemplifies his lifelong commitment to helping students learn about the human body. I know I, too, am passionate about human anatomy and the role of kinesthetic learning in retaining complex and detailed information. From my early days at UCLA, where I studied with the renowned Dr. Valerie Hunt, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study anatomy and kinesiology in preparation for a specialty in nonverbal communication. I know my dyslexia would have greatly benefited from these coloring books.
This exceptional couple has co-created The Human Body Coloring Book, based on Lawrence’s original anatomy textbook. The sequence of topics and internal organization is very intuitive, going from tissues to body parts, and finally, organs. What sets this book apart is its illustrations and labels, which are easy to read, and its substantial yet not overwhelming descriptions. The judicious use of bold type for learning keywords and inserted illustrations assists reading and retention. I urge prospective buyers to explore the content of this book; it truly is exceptional. Dr. Elson, who recently passed away, will long be remembered for his dedication to understanding the human body.
Mara Adelman, Ph.D.