Product Description

In this compelling book, neurologist Adam Zeman tells the stories of patients with a variety of neurological disorders, some familiar (epilepsy, chronic fatigue, stroke, memory loss) and others relatively mysterious (narcolepsy, chronic deja vu, compulsive fidgeting, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). Chapter by chapter, the author reveals the various levels of the brain, from the atom to the mind, and explores what happens when workings at each level go awry. Zeman requires of his readers no special knowledge of medicine or science, yet he takes us to the very frontiers of current scientific knowledge and elucidates the workings of the brain in astonishing detail. The book weaves together fascinating case histories, clear accounts of concepts and discoveries in neuroscience, and an intimate view of the suspense, excitement, fun, and angst that colour a neurologist's days. Zeman also considers what the brain's behaviour and misbehaviour can tell us about the human self as physical system, living creature, and conscious mind. In a final chapter he reflects on the place of the mind in nature. On every page Zeman both entertains and informs, and readers will find themselves pondering the enigmas of brain and mind long after closing the covers of this thought-provoking volume.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #364393 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Review
'An effective refutation of the idea that mind and matter are mutually exclusive ... a fascinating and illuminating read.'
--Karl Dallas, Morning Star, 11th August 2009

The Lancet, May, 2008
'This book is, in short, a remarkable achievement... neurology has found a fine advocate.'

Review
'... a fascinating tale ... [Zeman] comes across as a lucid explainer of scientific complexity, but also as a humane medical practitioner.'

Customer Reviews

'A Portrait of the Brain'
'A Portrait of the Brain' by Adam Zeman is a truly fascinating book. Like a medical detective the author uncovers different layers of the marvellous organ that is the brain.

The brain is introduced in great detail with clear explanation of modern scientific theories, tracing them back to their origins and development. Using fascinating case studies from his own experience in this field, the author takes the reader on a tour of the brain by addressing the different - sometimes rather bizarre - disorders. He requires no previous scientific knowledge from the reader as each piece of information is explained perfectly.

'A Portrait of the Brain' is a great read for anyone interested in neuroscience and will have you hooked after the first few pages. The book is not only wonderfully insightful but is also incredibly enjoyable, awe-inspiring and a highly recommended read.

A great book pity about chapters 10 and 11
This is a great book and one everyone should read it.

It was spoiled for me by the last two chapters where Prof Zeman lost his great standing as a scientist in an attempt to impose his atheist views on the reader. The way the last two chapters are written is both unnecessary and added nothing to work.

The soul and the act of creation require a step beyond reality into the realm of belief and faith. The Oxford dictionary defines supernatural as "...a phenomena not explicable by natural or physical laws". Much grandeur (sorry Darwin) and more glorious to except our heritage, beliefs and culture but to turn the supernatural into the natural. Till chapter 10 that was what I believed Prof Zeman believed.

Read the book it's a summary of the beginning of a great journey.. but be warned by CS Lewis' advice in the form of the Cheshire Cat to Alice - if you "don't much care where"... "Then it doesn't matter which way you go,"