Conversations With Neil's Brain: The Neural Nature of Thought and Language (Hardcover)

by William H. Calvin (Author), George A. Ojemann (Author) "THE TIMED SCRUB is an operating room ritual, and I'm a little out of practice..." (more)
Key Phrases: handheld stimulator, human lateral temporal lobe, sterile tent, United States, World War, Darwin Machine (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The Neil named in the title, identified as an engineer who became epileptic after fracturing his skull, undergoes brain surgery to remove part of his temporal lobe in the hope of eliminating his seizures. By stimulating his cerebral cortex, doctors map regions that control his memory, movement and his ability to use language. "Neil" is actually a composite of several epileptic patients, a device neurophysiologist Calvin and neurosurgeon Ojemann, both at the University of Washington, use to good effect, as they did in their earlier collaboration Inside the Brain. In a model of lucid scientific exposition, they scan recent research on memory, language and learning disabilities to explore links between brain damage and schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, sociopathic behavior and depression. Illustrating their points with far-ranging examples, the authors cite, among others, Virginia Woolf who, in her manic episodes, would talk almost without stopping for two or three days, and Woodrow Wilson whose strokes paralyzed his left side and gave him "mild paranoia," leaving him unable to argue effectively for the League of Nations. Illustrations.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Neurophysiologist Calvin and neurosurgeon Ojemann succeed admirably in describing the anatomy and physiology of the brain-undoubtedly the most complex organ in the human body-in very understandable terms. Using the ploy of a dialog with a brain surgery candidate named Neil, the authors answer many puzzling questions concerning the brain's functions. Neil, who suffers from epileptic seizures as a result of brain damage sustained in an auto accident, is eager to have the damaged cells removed. During the course of extensive conversations, Neil learns about memory, moods, motor functions, language, thought patterns, and visual comprehension. Line drawings enhance the explanations. This fascinating book is recommended for consumer health collections.
Carol R. Glatt, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Philadelphia
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 343 pages
• Publisher: Perseus Books; First Edition edition (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201632179
• ISBN-13: 978-0201632170
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,526,485 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clear look at how our brain works., September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations With Neil's Brain: The Neural Nature Of Thought And Language (Paperback)

Conversations with Neil's Brain By Calvin & Ojemann.

Reviewed by Dr. Charles Finlay

This is a trip through the brain, "Neil's Brain," Traveling through dendrites, axioms, and the web of the neuro-cortex into a better comprehension of what the brain does. Deep into the amygdala across to the hippocampus and onto the frontal lobe, all in a well mapped adventure to a better perception how our brains work. Neil, who's brain we examine, is a combination of treatments and discoveries about the brain rolled into one person. This is a well-written story about a "subject" with a dilemma that can be remedied by the use of brain surgery. As we travel the neuro-cortex of "Neil's Brain" the mystery of how the brain works is simplified into an understanding of the inner machinery of the living brain. If you are interested in the how and why the brain does what it does this is a good place to start. Conversations with Neil's Brain is an adventure and a "text" book. It is fun to read and overflows with information on the parts and process of the brain.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading, September 13, 2000

By	Tricia Rolls (Perth, Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conversations With Neil's Brain: The Neural Nature Of Thought And Language (Paperback)

This is a great book. Complex technical concepts are put across in a readable and entertaining way, yet it avoids being too superficial, or too "matey" in its style. As a cognitive psychology student it has helped me to understand the physical foundations of psychological phenomena, and had added depth to the psychological treatment of thought and language that I have been studying. But as well as this, it is an excellent read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in how our brains work.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great for laymen or students, April 18, 2005

By	Beth E. Simmons - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Conversations With Neil's Brain: The Neural Nature Of Thought And Language (Paperback)

I read this book as part of my first neurobiology course and I thought it was just awesome. The book is written so that most people (not only undergraduate neurobiology majors) will be able to understand and appreciate it.


It's an awesome book, which explains how the brain works by going through conversations between a surgeon and his curious patient.