Stephen Bayley

Is it farewell to the handshake?

The universally recognised gesture of greeting can be traced to the ninth century BCE, says Ella Al-Shamahi. But Covid has put it in jeopardy

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron shake hands at the Nato summit in Brussels, May 2017. Credit: Getty Images 
issue 20 March 2021

Ella Al-Shamahi is a Brummie, born to a Yemeni Arab family. From a strict Muslim upbringing she transitioned (evidently con brio, as ‘dick’ appears in her new book) to the secular life. She is now an author, explorer, academic paleoanthropologist, stand-up comedian and television presenter. This is an impressive c.v.,

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