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The Human Brain: A Guided Tour
What would you see if you removed the skull from the human brain and then slowly worked your way deeper and deeper into the brain, to the level of an individual neuron? With renowned brain researcher Susan Greenfield as your guide, here is your chance to gain a bird's eye view of the human brain—and to learn more about what the brain is, how it works, what happens when one part of the brain is made dysfunctional through stroke or accident, how brain mood-modifying drugs find their targets.In a particularly fascinating chapter, Greenfield surveys for us how a brain is built and then takes us on a tour of the developing brain from the moment of conception.Throughout Greenfield poses the larger questions all readers want to consider, including: At what stage does individuality creep into the developing brain? How does the collection of circuits of neurons give rise not just to an individual brain but an individual consciousness? What might a fetus be conscious of?
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
37 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Susan A. Greenfield
30 books83 followersGreenfield is Professor of Synaptic Pharmacology at Lincoln College, Oxford. On 1 February 2006, she was installed as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Until 8 January 2010, she was director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 7, 2018
I held a human brain in my hands once, and the length of the spinal cord. While gently squeezing the thing so some clear liquid oozed out and then gagging on formaldehyde vapor, I remember thinking how the texture of the brain was very much like tofu. I haven't had a great relationship with tofu since.
I was (and still am) fascinated though. What I held in my surgical glove covered hands --this squidgy mass-- it... it used to be someone. A human being. A person. At some stage lifeblood was running through this gray chunk of jelly. Synapses firing away in a chaotic amount of chemical reactions; an electrical thunderstorm where little explosions of thought, memories and emotions collide and disperse.
This brain used to have a personality, a life, walking, talking and interacting with people, going around getting into arguments, waiting in queues, getting on buses, getting off elevators, listening to music, dancing, having a drink with a friend, having a passionate moment with a stranger, hailing taxis, reading the paper about some asshole in government embezzling public funds, crying -- all of this could have happened to this person. Maybe only some of it. There were emotions. Perhaps they smiled and laughed a lot. Or maybe they were depressed and lonely. Maybe both? I wonder if they ever got goosebumps and what caused it?
Oh yea, the book was pretty cool. You should read it. You don't have to be a zombie to be fascinated by brains.
I was (and still am) fascinated though. What I held in my surgical glove covered hands --this squidgy mass-- it... it used to be someone. A human being. A person. At some stage lifeblood was running through this gray chunk of jelly. Synapses firing away in a chaotic amount of chemical reactions; an electrical thunderstorm where little explosions of thought, memories and emotions collide and disperse.
This brain used to have a personality, a life, walking, talking and interacting with people, going around getting into arguments, waiting in queues, getting on buses, getting off elevators, listening to music, dancing, having a drink with a friend, having a passionate moment with a stranger, hailing taxis, reading the paper about some asshole in government embezzling public funds, crying -- all of this could have happened to this person. Maybe only some of it. There were emotions. Perhaps they smiled and laughed a lot. Or maybe they were depressed and lonely. Maybe both? I wonder if they ever got goosebumps and what caused it?
Oh yea, the book was pretty cool. You should read it. You don't have to be a zombie to be fascinated by brains.
April 20, 2015
Zannediyorum beyin konusunda bu kadar az şey bilmemize dayanamayıp, çıldırıp sırf beyni incelemek için denek kolonileri kurulmasına izin vereceğimiz günü bekliyorsunuz. Ben beyin konusunda “dur farenin beyninin şu parçasını keseyim. Şimdi de biraz daha büyük bir parça keseyim bakalım hafızaya nolucak”tan öteye götürecek herşeye açığım.
Şuraya bir özet bırakıyorum.
Bilemiyoruz, bilemiyoruz, bilemiyoruz.
Şuraya bir özet bırakıyorum.
Bilemiyoruz, bilemiyoruz, bilemiyoruz.
February 20, 2015
Excellent book that goes into real depth. It was difficult to follow due to a lack of diagrams so I ended up reading the last two thirds with a tablet at my side but the writing is clear. They should do an edition with lots of diagrams.
February 19, 2012
One of those books that just ends up boggling the mind, well mine anyway. I am not biology minded but have recently become increasingly fascinated by biology, physics etc which I have tended to neglect most of my life in favour of social sciences. As I become more depressed about humanity I become more interested in the biological and physical world - what it is made up of and what makes it tick. For me, who pretty much didn't get past basic school level science and with very little interest at the time, I needed something that would introduce some of the basics to what the brain is and how it works on a biological level. This book was recommended in some of the basic psychology books I have read as a good introduction, which it was for me. I got a little lost in places but for a novice like me I found it highly readable and now have a better sense of what the little grey cells are and how little we know (or knew 10 years ago when this was written) about how they work and perform the incredible function that they do. Hubrgy for more.
March 13, 2019
A very clear introduction to the subject, by an author both truly competent and very able to explain her ideas to laypeople without much previous knowledge on the subject. Greenfield takes certain physicalist dogma for granted, though, which sometimes limits her perspective. That said, an excellent read.
September 26, 2023
"The Human Brain: A Guided Tour" by Susan A. Greenfield is a captivating journey through the labyrinth of our most mysterious organ. If you're someone who's always been intrigued by the workings of the brain but felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the subject, this book is a perfect starting point.
Greenfield's writing style simplifies the intricate world of neuroscience without compromising on the depth of information. She takes a subject as challenging as the human brain and transforms it into an engaging and accessible read. It's a testament to her skill that even those without a background in neuroscience can dive into this book and come out with a wealth of knowledge.
What sets "The Human Brain: A Guided Tour" apart is its ability to strike the perfect balance between simplicity and educational value. Greenfield avoids the pitfalls of jargon and technicalities, making it an ideal read for anyone interested in exploring the brain's intricacies.
Even if you're not planning a career in neuroscience, this book offers a high-level insight that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the brain's versatility and adaptability. It's a testament to Greenfield's storytelling prowess that she can make such a complex subject so engaging.
In conclusion, "The Human Brain: A Guided Tour" is a fascinating read that demystifies the brain for the curious reader. Greenfield's ability to convey complex ideas in an understandable manner shines through, making this book a worthwhile addition to your reading list. Whether you're a novice or someone looking to deepen your knowledge, this book will take you on an enlightening journey through the human brain.
Greenfield's writing style simplifies the intricate world of neuroscience without compromising on the depth of information. She takes a subject as challenging as the human brain and transforms it into an engaging and accessible read. It's a testament to her skill that even those without a background in neuroscience can dive into this book and come out with a wealth of knowledge.
What sets "The Human Brain: A Guided Tour" apart is its ability to strike the perfect balance between simplicity and educational value. Greenfield avoids the pitfalls of jargon and technicalities, making it an ideal read for anyone interested in exploring the brain's intricacies.
Even if you're not planning a career in neuroscience, this book offers a high-level insight that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the brain's versatility and adaptability. It's a testament to Greenfield's storytelling prowess that she can make such a complex subject so engaging.
In conclusion, "The Human Brain: A Guided Tour" is a fascinating read that demystifies the brain for the curious reader. Greenfield's ability to convey complex ideas in an understandable manner shines through, making this book a worthwhile addition to your reading list. Whether you're a novice or someone looking to deepen your knowledge, this book will take you on an enlightening journey through the human brain.
January 5, 2025
8/10.
Despite being made in 1997 (and thus having some older knowledge in certain areas that we know better), this book goes more in depth than popular pop-sci brain books and gets to the level of ion channels, and is not afraid to talk about the actual chemistry of what occurs. It doesn't overuse jargon but clearly lays out the processes in which they knew about the brain at the time.
It's clear the author knows what they were talking about at that time, and this book easily lays down the prime (specific) foundations of the mind that hold true to today. It does not include as in depth of an analysis of human case-studies as other books, but specialises more in an understanding of how the brain works, along with the rate of growth in gestation, ways of viewing the brain (PET, etc...), to the reductionist vs top-down approaches of studying the brain .... Basically, it talks about a lot of stuff overarching the brain. Pretty good, concise, well written.
If you are not a physics/chemistry enjoyer this is going to be a bit of a tough read.
I would still recommend anyone interested in the brain and its workings to read this book.
The one thing that would've made it better would have been some more diagrams.
Despite being made in 1997 (and thus having some older knowledge in certain areas that we know better), this book goes more in depth than popular pop-sci brain books and gets to the level of ion channels, and is not afraid to talk about the actual chemistry of what occurs. It doesn't overuse jargon but clearly lays out the processes in which they knew about the brain at the time.
It's clear the author knows what they were talking about at that time, and this book easily lays down the prime (specific) foundations of the mind that hold true to today. It does not include as in depth of an analysis of human case-studies as other books, but specialises more in an understanding of how the brain works, along with the rate of growth in gestation, ways of viewing the brain (PET, etc...), to the reductionist vs top-down approaches of studying the brain .... Basically, it talks about a lot of stuff overarching the brain. Pretty good, concise, well written.
If you are not a physics/chemistry enjoyer this is going to be a bit of a tough read.
I would still recommend anyone interested in the brain and its workings to read this book.
The one thing that would've made it better would have been some more diagrams.
August 23, 2020
I've once read a post saying "Isn't it cool that it's your brain that thinks brains look disgusting? Like, they think THEMSELVES look horrible". This sentence was totally mindblowing and made me think a lot about how brains actually work. The book, 'The Human Brain', perfectly explains and reveals every facts and mysteries of brains: its system, function, cells, pulse, and even psychological aspects. Even if you are not interested in anatomy or biology, this book will grip and entertain you with easy explanations with fun examples. The author writes the book as if she is directly speaking to you, allowing you to be engaged even more with the storyline. The best thing is that all the facts are in-depth (but easy to understand!), and after you finish reading the book, you'll become real experts in brains.
May 31, 2024
At one point in time, this book might have been at the cutting edge of popular science. Now, the best role it could fulfill would be as a primer for a Psych101 class. That isn't to say that it is bad, just out of date and comprised of mostly surface level information. Further, given that it is a "guided tour", it would have been nice for some more visual images of the parts of the brains being discussed.
February 1, 2019
This book is 20 years old, and it’s pretty amazing how much work has been done since its publication. It’s also remarkable how much work is still to be done. Anyway, it’s a nice little introduction to the brain as it was known 20 years ago.
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June 27, 2025Not going to give a rating because I can't remember a thing about this book. But I remember Susan Greenfield's distinctive voice on the radio, speaking fast and enthusiastically, at a time when we heard so few women scientists.
Taking it to the charity shop. (June 2025)
Taking it to the charity shop. (June 2025)
May 10, 2020
Though obviously dumbed down for an audience still a magical science I will never really understand. But an interesting insight and maybe a little of it will get stuck in my brain to recall later!
December 28, 2021
Enriching
July 18, 2013
This book is written for the lay reader and not just the expert and the jargon is limited especially at the beginning. Later chapters are somewhat harder to digest but the flow of the work is such that I was able to complete it in a single day. I particularly like the description of how the brain develops in the womb and then subsequently and Greenfield makes a lot of rare individuals whose character or behavior was changed by catastrophic damage to their brains - fascinating stuff.
I recall first hearing of Phineas Gage as a student back in the 1970s. He worked on the early railways in the USA. His job was to tap down explosive charges in rock with a long tamping iron before blasting. On one unfortunate day a spark sent the rod plummeting through his face and brain. His whole personality and character changed after this because the metal had penetrated his prefrontal cortex. Accidents like this have revealed many of the brain's secrets to doctors and neurologists.
Greenfield describes in great detail how neurons in the brain 'talk' to each other. There are a hundred billion neurons in the human brain - a clever animal like an octupus has only 170 million nerve cells in comparison. She shows how poor and inadequate is the analogy of a brain with a computer. Whereas a computer must respond to commands logically in an on/off linear manner, no matter the complexity of the algorithms fed into it, when a neuron fires sending messages across synapses via both chemical and electrical means, both the strength of the chemicals and the electrical current can be varied as can the length of time any chemical or electrical impulse is maintained - thus allowing for supreme fine tuning way beyond that of any supercomputer. There are also four separate chemicals triggers for the neuron to choose from. In fact, the 100 billion neurons with their dendrites (branches) and their axons (main channels of communication) can in theory have more connections than there are atoms in the known universe.
It is often said that the human brain is the most complicated thing in the universe. I think this is somewhat arrogant and a result of our ignorance about the cosmos as a whole. It certainly does not stop our species from aborting tens of thousands of perfectly formed small brains every year, nor does it stop us from allowing hundreds of children to starve to death on a daily basis across the face of our planet. And those 'great brains' haven't stopped us eliminating millions of our fellows in countless useless wars down the centuries. Our beloved brain has a long way to go before perfection is attained!
When it comes to the origin of consciousness, Greenfield speculates that it is the complexity of our neuronal web that leads to self-awareness. She suggests that the more neurons a creature has and the greater the complexity of their mutual dendritic pathways, the greater the self-awareness that creature will exhibit.
As to the origin of the 'soul' she makes a few historical references but does not really state her own view. The concept of the soul may have poetry all of its own, but the soul itself is just another product of those multifarious minute connections. Greenfield is quick to acknowledge ( the book was written in 1997) that we still know very little about the intimate workings of our own brains. Perhaps our slabs of grey matter are indications that the Universe is slowly becoming aware of itself in a stuttering, uncertain manner. As for us, we humans are but fleeting atoms in a sea of eternity...
I recall first hearing of Phineas Gage as a student back in the 1970s. He worked on the early railways in the USA. His job was to tap down explosive charges in rock with a long tamping iron before blasting. On one unfortunate day a spark sent the rod plummeting through his face and brain. His whole personality and character changed after this because the metal had penetrated his prefrontal cortex. Accidents like this have revealed many of the brain's secrets to doctors and neurologists.
Greenfield describes in great detail how neurons in the brain 'talk' to each other. There are a hundred billion neurons in the human brain - a clever animal like an octupus has only 170 million nerve cells in comparison. She shows how poor and inadequate is the analogy of a brain with a computer. Whereas a computer must respond to commands logically in an on/off linear manner, no matter the complexity of the algorithms fed into it, when a neuron fires sending messages across synapses via both chemical and electrical means, both the strength of the chemicals and the electrical current can be varied as can the length of time any chemical or electrical impulse is maintained - thus allowing for supreme fine tuning way beyond that of any supercomputer. There are also four separate chemicals triggers for the neuron to choose from. In fact, the 100 billion neurons with their dendrites (branches) and their axons (main channels of communication) can in theory have more connections than there are atoms in the known universe.
It is often said that the human brain is the most complicated thing in the universe. I think this is somewhat arrogant and a result of our ignorance about the cosmos as a whole. It certainly does not stop our species from aborting tens of thousands of perfectly formed small brains every year, nor does it stop us from allowing hundreds of children to starve to death on a daily basis across the face of our planet. And those 'great brains' haven't stopped us eliminating millions of our fellows in countless useless wars down the centuries. Our beloved brain has a long way to go before perfection is attained!
When it comes to the origin of consciousness, Greenfield speculates that it is the complexity of our neuronal web that leads to self-awareness. She suggests that the more neurons a creature has and the greater the complexity of their mutual dendritic pathways, the greater the self-awareness that creature will exhibit.
As to the origin of the 'soul' she makes a few historical references but does not really state her own view. The concept of the soul may have poetry all of its own, but the soul itself is just another product of those multifarious minute connections. Greenfield is quick to acknowledge ( the book was written in 1997) that we still know very little about the intimate workings of our own brains. Perhaps our slabs of grey matter are indications that the Universe is slowly becoming aware of itself in a stuttering, uncertain manner. As for us, we humans are but fleeting atoms in a sea of eternity...
January 30, 2016
I found the scope and clarity of this book excellent, covering the brain for a general audience well. I study the brain and, like many scientists, struggle with communicating our understanding in the clearest possible manner: the author has done well. I find it curious that most general audience neuroscience books leave out much or all of behavioural neuroscience, this book does rectify this to some degree. Acknowledging the difficulty in associating the reductionist and top-down approaches- I imagine this is much of the reason there is little on emotion, motivation or decision-making- makes this book a good account while leading the curious reader to look deeper.
January 7, 2015
If you're looking for a enjoyable yet educational read, this is it.
I had it on the list my biology teacher gave us, and picked it up because really, how can anything about human brain be boring?
I liked the style of writing; scientific facts diluted with peculiar and incredibly interesting biological stories and curious theories.
Bottom line: not complicated, focusing more on the best thing there is about biology: how unique and amazing everything the nature came up with is.
I had it on the list my biology teacher gave us, and picked it up because really, how can anything about human brain be boring?
I liked the style of writing; scientific facts diluted with peculiar and incredibly interesting biological stories and curious theories.
Bottom line: not complicated, focusing more on the best thing there is about biology: how unique and amazing everything the nature came up with is.
July 1, 2014
I read about 20% of this book before putting it down. It's too light and fluffy for my liking, and (in the part I read, at least) focuses *significantly more* on things we know now to be incorrect (eg. phrenology) than on anything else.
August 1, 2016
I found this book to be an easy read and very informative. The flow of the chapters is progressive and easily digestible to the layman, with only spatters of scientifically-barbed jargon, making it understandable to the point where intuition takes over.
September 8, 2016
Not a bad introductory book and glad to say I learnt a few things, especially in regards to the complexity of the organisation of where functions appear to be located in the brain. Would have liked a clearer explanation of how memory works, but then so would the researchers.
February 23, 2009
So far so easy to ready! Hooray.
Finished it and it remained easy to follow. Very interesting stories that made it more relevant and accessible.
Finished it and it remained easy to follow. Very interesting stories that made it more relevant and accessible.
January 19, 2009
a journey through the brain. a fantastically insightful guide to the main organ of the human body - especially useful if your studying this capacity.
August 4, 2011
Greenfield presented a detailed account of the anatomy of the human brain and accompanied it with some really interesting stories!
February 12, 2013
An older, and probably now out of date overview of the human brain, based on her Christmas lectures from a number of years ago.
It is a straightforward to read, and she explains the concepts well.
It is a straightforward to read, and she explains the concepts well.
November 11, 2010
Helps you understand how the brain works
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July 11, 2012Location read: Forsbach
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews