Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind

V. S. Ramachandran; Sandra Blakeslee

ISBN 10: 0688152473 / ISBN 13: 9780688152475

Published by U.S.A.: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1998

About this Item

SIGNED on title page--signature only, and visible in photo. Spine ends are lightly pushed--visible in photo. Jacket has a wrinkle along top edge--visible in photo. Book interior is as new.

Seller Inventory # 108-VS

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind
• Publisher: U.S.A.: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688152473
• ISBN 13: 9780688152475
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

A distinguished neurologist and an award-winning science writer explore the vast complexities of the human brain and how it works, drawing on real-life case studies of patients suffering from unusual neurological afflictions to explain what occurs in the brain and the sources of dreams, memory, emotion, language, and more. 125,000 first printing. Tour.

Review

What would you say about a woman who, despite stroke-induced paralysis crippling the entire left side of her body, insists that she is whole and strong--who even sees her left hand reach out to grasp objects? Freud called it "denial"; neurologists call it "anosognosia". However it may be labelled, this phenomenon and others like it allow us peeks into other mental worlds and afford us considerable insight into our own.

The writings of Oliver Sacks and others have shown us that we can learn much about ourselves by looking closely at the deficits shown by people with neurological problems. VS Ramachandran has seen countless patients suffering from anosognosia, phantom limb pain, blindsight and other disorders, and he brings a remarkable mixture of clinical intuition and research savvy to bear on their problems. He is one of the few scientists who are able and willing to explore the personal, subjective ramifications of his work; he rehumanizes an often too-sterile field and captures the spirit of wonder so essential for true discovery. Phantoms in the Brain is equal parts medical mystery, scientific adventure, and philosophical speculation; Ramachandran's writing is smart, caring, and very, very funny.

Whether you're curious about the workings of the brain, interested in alternatives to expensive, high-tech science (much of Ramachandran's research is done with materials found around the home), or simply want a fresh perspective on the nature of human consciousness, you'll find satisfaction withPhantoms in the Brain. --Rob Lightner