Possessing Genius : The Bizarre Odyssey of Einstein's Brain

by Carolyn Abraham

One of Galileo's fingers is in a museum in Florence, Napoleon's severed penis is in the hands, as it were, of an American urologist. And the brain of the greatest thinker of the 20th century lay until recently in two muday cookie jars under a box behind a beer cooler in Wichita, Kansas. On Einstein's death in 1955 Princeton pathologist Thomas Harvey seized the chance to salvage the great thinker's brain. Possessed by the idea that it might hold the key to the enigma of Einstein's genius, Harvey became the unlikely custodian of the organ responsible for the Theory of Relativity - a theory whose centenary is celebrated in 2005. The author tells the bizarre story of Einstein's brain as it roamed the world in mayonnaise jars and courier packages, taking over one man's life for half a century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Biography, Biology, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Carolyn Abraham is an award-winning science writer who spent 14 years as the senior medical reporter for The Globe and Mail, Canada's leading national newspaper. Her features, focusing on the intersection of science and society, have earned more than eight national awards, including four from the Canadian Science Writers Association, and two National Newspaper Awards.

Carolyn Abraham appears often as an on-air television commentator on medical issues, wrote the chapter on the SARS outbreak in Canada at the request of the World Health Organization and co-wrote the NFB production entitled DNA and Dollars. Her first book formed the basis of the National Geographic documentary on Einstein's brain that was broadcast in 14 countries. Carolyn lives in Toronto. For more information on her work please see www.carolynabraham.ca.

From Cooke Agency Website who represents Carolyn Abraham

Reviews

[Mike Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another in the series of weird fascinations I have. The book is about the adventures of Einstein's brain, mostly after his death. The story is well written with what little information seems to be known about both its history, and its whereabouts. At times the book seems frustrating because I expect it to reveal some great finding about the connection between genius and physical brain structure, and in the end it seems that there is none (that we currently know of). I dejectly come to the realization that there is no way for me to become a genius, and hate my parents for not birthing me as one. All jokes aside, this book tells an interesting story that most will find entertaining (not just those with morbid curiosities such as myself). I even recommended this book to my grandmother and she enjoyed it. 4 shining stars for this one.

[Katie_marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was well-written and I do not regret the time spent reading it however, the most interesting information from the work was about Einstein himself; not his uncapped brain. The author reveals surprising details about Einstein's personality and life that don't fit the profile of friendly, impish genius. If it is Einstein you are interested in then pick up a biography. However, much of the subject matter is saved by the author's clever usage of language related to brains, research, etc. to draw comparisons and create imagery.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a unique book about what was done with albert einstein's brain after he died. his genius at that time was unparalleled, so his family donated it to science so that it could be studied, and it was left in the possession of a caretaker scientist who was left with the sole responsibility of safeguarding it.

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite amazing when you think of it!

[Leo Saumure · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you know everything about Einstein, just wait until you find out about what happened to his brain after he died... This was an amazing read!

[Belle Meade School]

616.07

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book... what an exciting and well put together journey of One of The Greatest Minds! It was not at all what I expected but I couldn’t put the book down!

[Josie Deryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Remi · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my lovely teacher

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels and reads like a book-length magazine article, and depends too much on interviews with Thomas Harvey, the man who 'possessed genius.' I'm not sure if this reliance on interviews with Harvey is because he is the central character of the story, or because the writer is a journalist writing a book-length magazine article!

Not that its a bad book. The interesting thing is that the world has changed so much in just 50 years that such an event (a solitary, almost secret autopsy of such a monumental celebrity) would be impossible now.

Perhaps the disposition of Einstein's brain at the end of Possessing Genius, as unideal as it seems, was the best that could have happened in the real world.

[Myna · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who writes fiction and poetry, this non-fiction book, including a lot of scientific information as well, was the last book I thought I would love. But I couldn't put it down. What a crazy, stranger-than-fiction story, with well-drawn "characters." Abraham is a terrific writer, making even the science exciting. I would highly, highly recommend this book. It's at times funny, wacky even, and highly sympathetic to its main protagonist, the curious man who "possesses genius."

[valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is interesting for historical reasons, but really didn't hold my attention for very long. This says a lot since I study neurobiology so anything involving brains is usually pretty cool :) The neuroscience part of the book is completely hollywoodized and Abraham doesn't even explain well what Einstein's contributions to physics were. I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Jenn Tat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unusual and amusing tale of what happened to Albert Einstein's brain.

Abraham has beautiful science writing and thorough research. The people in the story are fully fleshed out, to the extent that you feel you know them (or someone like them). It was fascinating and bizarre. Fans of Mary Roach will enjoy.

[Carlye.peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so awesome and weird. it's the story of the journey of einstein's brain around the country and world...some pieces were sent to different scientists for research to figure out why einstein was a genius. this is such an enjoyable book to read!

[KitCat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bizarre.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, but the writing style was a bit choppy.

[Lastgirlstanding · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing read about what happened to Einstein's brain after he died. Very interesting. Proof that non-fiction can sometimes be even as bizarre- or even more bizarre- than fiction.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story and really well written.