Very enjoyable, as are all of kean's books. I was familiar with most of the stories, but liked the way the were tied together and presented. The notes are a must read, both in the book and online ( )

Research into the human brain comprises an exciting frontier of knowledge today, yet most scientific accounts can dryly bore the average reader. And frankly, a lot of scientists and doctors can benefit from reading narratives of human stories behind scientific discoveries. To fill this gap, Sam Kean chronicles in this book the many functions of the human brain – and of parts of the human brain. He teaches basic neuroscience with the noteworthy interpersonal backstories of how those insights were gleaned through human mishaps. In so doing, he entertains, enlightens, and engages a wide audience of health professionals, scientists, and students of the human condition.

This book opens and closes with perhaps the most famous case in the history of neuroscience: The story of Phineas Gage. While managing railroad construction in the mid-19th century, this man improbably had a spear shoot through the front of his skull. His left eye was disabled, and the spear bore a hole in the left-rear frontal lobe of his brain. It flew out immediately, and he survived to tell the tale. Despite many witnesses, medical professionals initially did not believe his tale but confirmed it through witnesses and its effects. Gage lived for over a decade after this freak accident, but his personality changed dramatically in unanticipated ways. At the time, we knew little about brain functioning, but his unique case has taught neurologists lessons for almost 200 years.

Striking human tales like this fill each chapter of Kean’s book. They go into great detail to explain specific lessons of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology that we’ve learned from the stories. Thus, this book describes a history of neurology from the perspective of affected patients who gave us further understanding. The main limitation of this book is that each chapter is somewhat self-contained. It’s hard to keep an overall narrative going throughout the entire book. The attempt is made, but it’s just not too pronounced. Like many subjects in medical science, the minutiae, even those of lively stories, can sometimes prevent the reader from seeing the big picture.

Because this history spans the humanities and the sciences, many audiences can benefit from this work. Budding neuroscientists and medical students can bring some of their dry scientific studies to life. Those involved in the care of neurological patients can benefit from understanding the human impacts of their profession. The curious public can learn about the emerging field of neuroscience. Authors can engage their imagination with scientifically verifiable stories of human quirks. Finally, we all can learn greater compassion for those whose brains may not work quite like the rest of us yet share common human dignity. ( )

The subtitle gives the best description of what to expect from this book. Sam Kean traces the history of neuroscience by providing examples of major advances, including brain traumas, experiments, accidental discoveries, and the causes of each. He includes fascinating stories from history. The science is explained in an easily understood manner. It is an informative and entertaining combination of science and history. This book will appeal to anyone interested in how the human brain works. ( )

This combines both the humoristic but informative tone of Mary Roach with the technical but comprehensible style of Oliver Sacks.

To tackle the mysteries of the brain and its parts, the author uses a series of vignettes from the historic to the contemporary. Stories of those suffering from schizophrenia, synesthesia, ghost limbs, and kuru (which I believe I heard about in Anthropology class), just to name a few. The book also covers the history and evolution of neuroscience itself. Ambroise Paré, Andreas Vesalius, Camillo Golgi, Ramon y Cajal, Otto Loewi, Paul Bach-y-Rita, Wilder Penfield, and Phineas Gage can all be found here.

That is not to say there aren't a few unavoidable dark parts, but then again if you're a true history reader, you know you can't just read the cheery bits. If you wish to try it, I do recommend this book, there's a ton of quality information here! ( )

Pretty sure this is now my favorite Sam Kean book. It feels more accessible than his previous books, which I think might be related to this book's content. As interested as I am in the periodic table (the subject of his first book), the brain is so much more fascinating because it is what makes "all this" possible (by that I mean the reading of the book, this review of the book, the fact that this site even exists to review the book, etc.). Kean is always an engaging writer and this is no different. He treats both scientists,patients, and nameless victims with the same respect, all while plumbing the depths of their various obsessions, injuries, and madnesses. Essential reading for anyone who loves a good science read. ( )