A Portrait of the Brain [PAPERBACK] [2009] [By Adam Zeman]

by Adam Zeman

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 déjà 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 color a neurologist’s days. Zeman also considers what the brain’s behavior and misbehavior 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.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychology, Health

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up after hearing Adam Zeman do a section in the New Scientist Live consciousness workshop. Like that event, I found it surprisingly simple. The information was mostly stuff I’d read elsewhere; even on neurology and the biology of the brain, it didn’t really touch on anything I wasn’t already aware of. Definitely a good introduction to some neurological issues and the interrelated nature of body and brain; less so if you’ve already read stuff like Sam Kean’s The Tale of the Duelling Neurosurgeons, or even taken a basic course on neurobiology (e.g. Peggy Mason’s ‘The Neurobiology of Everyday Life’ on Coursera).

I was especially puzzled, though, by the choice Zeman made to refer to psychosomatic/conversion disorders as ‘hysteria’. I checked with a psychiatrist of my acquaintance (hi Mum)… As I suspected, it’s not a word that is really used anymore by anyone credible. I think that’s pretty much because it just has all the wrong connotations, and such a bad history of dismissing mental illness — particularly, dismissing female (mental) illness. We have modern terms for it, Zeman seems tolerably aware that even when a disease has no detectable physical cause, it can be serious and in need of treatment… So this just seems like a really weird choice.

I’m well aware of the brain’s power to create symptoms out of harmless bodily sensations. There’s no doubt that that happens, to greater and lesser extents. But to call it hysteria leaves a bad taste in my mouth, because it has such a history of being linked with dismissing women, seeing women as weak and disturbed, etc, etc.

Overall, way too simplistic a book for me, alas, even though I’m still a layperson. Perhaps a good primer for people new to neurology.

Originally posted here.

[Tom & Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This makes for an interesting read about the many functions of the brain and is especially interesting to compare this with Buddhist abbidhamma which talked about consciousness only 2500+ years ago!

[Dua'a Behbehani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good read and it was written so simply and yet explained complex ideas. I was very impressed reading this and I learnt many new things in a fun way.

[Julie Giles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the basics of neurology. I would have preferred some more epidemiology and in-depth discussions of symptoms, but it was still an interesting read.

[Rex Libris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author discusses the brain and its functions and diseases in a very methodical manner. He starts with the smallest "parts" and moves to bigger and bigger structures. So he starts at the molecular level and discusses how various elements and proteins, or lack thereof, affect the brain. He then moves up through structures such as nerves, synapses, networks, lobes, on up to the brain as a whole.

[Razan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re an Oliver Sacks fan, you’ll enjoy this. V reminiscent of ‘A Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat’, but not quite as profound if I’m being brutally honest. A fun, engaging read - felt a bit disconnected at times. 3.5/5 stars

[Alina Yasnaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yawn.

[Catisha Scavairello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Alegsarae · Rating 5 out of 5]

AmaZing

[Katharine Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neurology very nicely explained for the non-specalist

[Morgan Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very informative book to Kickstart learning about the brain. I would have given 5 stars had there not been a lot of unnecessary paragraphs on evolution.

[Helen Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aight, already knew it mostly

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book & lend it to any friends I have interested in psych/neuro reads. It's a fairly easy read that touches the surface on several good points. It flows nicely and really keeps your interest going the whole way. One of my favorite reads in the last year!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

616.8

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your brain has ever caused you trouble or concern, read this to give your brain a mental model of how it works. If your brain serves you well, without troubling you, read it and be amazed.

[Chris Veazey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romp. Light, informative and warm.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, some times i found that there were too much science talk, but i surly learned a lot from it.

[Matt Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to neurology. not much depth.