Synapses [Hardcover]

Mr. W. Maxwell Cowan (Editor), Dr. Thomas C. Südhof (Editor), Dr. Charles F. Stevens (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801864984 | ISBN-13: 978-0801864988 | Publication Date: January 15, 2001

Edited by W. Maxwell Cowan, Thomas C. Südhof, and Charles F. Stevens, this volume provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of a century of research on synaptic structure and function culminating in the most recent work. Written by leading experts in the field, Synapses will be of interest to a broad range of neuroscientists, including those studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, learning and memory, neuronal plasticity, neurotransmitters, and synaptic morphology. It will also be an essential reference for students and biomedical professionals in all areas of neuroscience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Comprehensive in its coverage. The quality of the writing and of the numerous beautiful color figures is excellent... Cowan and Eric Kandel offer an engaging history of the study of synaptic transmission from the first hints of its existence in 1791 through the 1970s... For both seasoned neurobiologists and interested newcomers to the field, this book is a worthwhile introduction to the wonders of synapses and the many opportunities for future study that they offer." -- Mary B. Kennedy, Science

"Drawing on the expertise of recognized leaders in the field, the editors have compiled 15 chapters that skillfully relay the rich history and complexity of synapses. A fascinating introduction by Max Cowan and Eric Kandel chronicles the historical underpinnings of the synapse and sets the scholarly tone for the rest of the book. Synapses is an impressive book that will be a useful reference to neuroscientists at all levels." -- Michael D. Ehlers and Guoping Feng, Nature

"An important book. It covers an astounding array of interesting topics and begins with a wonderful historical review by Max Cowan and Eric Kandel." -- John P. Horn, American Scientist

"Perhaps the most unique feature of Synapses is that most chapters were written jointly by authors originating from different laboratories and representing diverse points of view. It is 'must reading' for all who love synapses." -- George J. Augustine, Nature Neuroscience

Review

"This superb volume summarizes in lucid and authoritative detail our current understanding of the synapse, a term coined by Sherrington approximately 100 years ago. A definitive summary of one century's work and a challenging roadmap for the next." -- Zach W. Hall, University of California, San Francisco

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 767 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801864984
• ISBN-13: 978-0801864988
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, March 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Synapses (Hardcover)

Excellent book. I am a graduate student in neuroscience, and am currently using this book as a text for a course. All of the chapters (papers) are very well written by experts in the field, yet at the same time are very easy to understand with only basic neuroscience/biological knowledge. Although it's not my area, I believe synaptic plasticity will explode with implications and explanations for psychological phenomena.