Strange, Familiar, and Forgotten: An Anatomy of Consciousness [Paperback]

Israel Rosenfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 1993

Combining a thorough knowledge of past clinical studies with philosophical sweep, Rosenfield explores consciousness as the "dynamic integration of past, present, and self" that tells us not only who we are but that we are. A revisionist book that compels us to re-examine a phenomenon that has traditionally been overlooked as being but a small part of the brain's function.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Relating startling case studies in neuroscience and psychology, Rosenfield overturns many received ideas about memory, thought and the structure of consciousness.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-- This well-written and informative monograph utilizes clinical research of disabled individuals to build a very strong case for Rosenfield's opinion that consciousness is the major function of the brain. Students of psychology will appreciate the variety of primary-source information included, as well as the concise discussion of the history of thought and theory on this topic. The book is an interesting resource that will guide more serious students into new areas of thought and reflection. In addition, its substantial catalog of notes is an excellent reference guide. Students of both the natural and the behavioral sciences will be able to glean information and perspective from exposure to this type of work. This very fine work is also a "must read" for AP psychology students. Most high-school libraries will want to consider it for purchase.
- Nancy K. Craig, Robert E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 10 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (March 31, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679743057
• ISBN-13: 978-0679743057
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #787,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Examination, December 31, 2008

By 

J. Scott Shipman (Annandale, VA) - See all my reviews

Dr. Rosenfield's 1992 book is an interesting overview of a previously neglected area of thought and research. Overall this is a quick and informative tour of consciousness (at only 130 pages its a short afternoon read). His section on the "timelessness" of consciousness and our apparent multiple formations of language (from a neurological perspective) was particularly interesting. Of the latter, the following quote:

"Words transcend the sensory domains to which they refer. And yet they are a consequence of the very same brain processes that make us conscious of visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory stimuli in the first place; they are further elaboration of these processes; they are the result of interactions of much greater complexity."

As a reader, I liked that line of thought/sentence.

The last chapter on multiple personalities seemed less well-thought out and more disjointed than the previous chapters, hence the three stars. That said, this is a very good primer to the subject---very similar in style to the great Dr. Oliver Sacks and recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, July 15, 2008

By 

Joshua Leeger (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This was an excellent book examining the vagaries of culture through the lens of psychology.