David Huron, professor emeritus of music theory, notes the publication of his latest book, The Science of Sadness: A New Understanding of Emotion (MIT Press). This is the first of two volumes aimed at understanding the appeal of nominally sad music. The Science of Sadness focuses principally on foundational issues related to sadness in general. Two chapters address the enjoyment of sadness in the arts and entertainment, with one chapter focusing directly on the enjoyment of sad music.
 
Although the book is available for purchase in print format, it will also be available for free in PDF form at the MIT Press website beginning May 7. Free versions are made possible through the generous support of Direct to Open (D2O) — the new international collective of 322 libraries promoting open access publication for selected new scholarly monographs. For discount pricing of print versions see below.
 
The book has been widely praised in several advanced reviews:
 
“The Science of Sadness is a wonderful book. It offers new insights into vital issues, such as the function of weeping, the various kinds of sadness, the allure of negative art, and socio-political issues pertaining to displays of sadness. A must-read for emotion scholars. The numerous illustrations and telling anecdotes make it especially accessible and pleasant to read.”
 — Federico Lauria, Center for Philosophy, University of Lisbon
 
“This wonderful book, full of fascinating insights, offers a readable and entertaining summary of what we now know of the origin, functions, and indeed, benefits of negative emotions. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the critical role of feelings in private and public life.”
— Joseph Forgas, Scientia Professor, UNSW, Sydney
 
“An accessible, thought-provoking, and fresh look at a topic that touches the heart of human existence.”
 — Ad Vingerhoets, author of Why Only Humans Weep. Unraveling the Mysteries of Tears.
 
“In The Science of Sadness, David Huron challenges long-held scientific assumptions about the function of emotion to show how the short-term changes in thought and behavior associated with distinct forms of sadness serve to make us healthier and happier in the long run. An essential read that will transform the way you think about emotion.”
 — Ronald S. Friedman, Department of Psychology, SUNY Albany
 
The print version can be ordered through the usual channels, however discounts are available through Penguin/Random House and Barnes & Noble. Penguin/Random House offers a 20% discount that can be received any time using the discount code READMIT20. On May 7 only, a 30% discount can be received using the code PUBDAY30 — only available through the Penguin/Random House distribution.
 
April 17–19 only, Barnes & Noble is offering a pre-order discount of 25% for standard reward program members with an additional 10% discount for premium members using the code PREORDER25.