Brain, The

by Richard Restak

This lavishly illustrated companion to the PBS series examines the structure, functions, and mysteries of the human brain, addressing such specifics as consciousness, perception, the subconscious, learning, memory, and brain disorders

Genres: Science, Biology

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1984

About the author

Richard M. Restak M.D. is an award-winning neuroscientist, neuropsychiatrist and writer. The best-selling author of nineteen acclaimed books about the brain, he has also penned dozens of articles for a variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. A fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Neuropsychiatric Association, he lives and practices in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of the information in this book is outdated insofar as there has been significant research, discovery and progress in the field of neuroscience over the past 35 years. Nonetheless it does provide a rehash of fundamental concepts and terms pertaining to the science of the brain and reminder as to why it is the most amazing and wonderful organ in the known universe.

[life · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book, I was maybe 14.. 15? I found it on the far end of my grandmother’s bookshelf. I tried to read at least one chapter a day, which was a bit of a challenge.. I can remember the chapters being pretty hefty. Especially to me at the time, since I’d only “just gotten back into reading”, and I’d never poked my nose into non-fiction until then. But I enjoyed it all the way though.

I knew very well at the time that I was interested in how our brains reacted to our environment, or the things they do outside of our awareness and control pertaining to that. And this book certainly shone light on just how much I didn’t know. I don’t remember much of the contents of the book anymore, but I know that it had a lasting impression on me.

I did nothing but sit in the corner of my dimly lit room with my, then bare, turquoise desk, and read or listen to music. I’d use the overbearing light of the old lamp, that would unfortunately, give out on me only a year later. Certainly, my love for this book originates from the period of time in which I read it, more than from the contents of the book itself. I often look back on that window of calm, and wish I could return to it.

I think even though it’s outdated, you’ll get a good amount of enjoyment from the stories it has to share about the people who’ve survived brain damage, and changed greatly because of it.

[Donnie Baldwin II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, I'd Suggest This if you need a simplified guide on Psychology.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a bit dated, but still has some great visuals and is well written.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. I almost went into neurobiology/chemistry because of this book.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting stuff about how brain functions. even as this book was written 30 years ago.