The Brain: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)

"This thoughtful guide to the brain is designed to give more depth and detail to the average lay person’s knowledge about that squidgy grey lump of goo in our heads which looks innocuous enough but is probably the most amazing thing in the known universe. This was not recognised until recently, however, for example ancient cultures used to think that the intellect resided in the heart, illustrated nicely by the anecdote of “Mike the headless chicken”, who managed to survive 18 months after being decapitated!

I’ve read a few of these sorts of books during my days as a psychology student, and this is the best I’ve read so far for giving an overview of everything from cell structure to brain anatomy to evolutionary psychology to philosophical epistemology. Whilst these subjects aren’t treated in a huge amount of depth (the book’s only 200-odd pages!), they are all linked together very well and accurately reflect the state of current thinking.

Although the book tackles some very complex subjects it remains readable and engaging throughout. It would make a good introductory text for students in psychology, philosophy, or medicine, or just the intelligent reader who is curious to learn more. It might also make a good read for an “expert patient” with a neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, or Parkinson’s."
~ Written on 2006-01-03