Understanding the Human Brain: A Comprehensive Guide

By John E. Dowling, a renowned Harvard neuroscientist, this book offers an in-depth examination of what makes us human and unique among all creatures – our brains. This up-to-date revision of his 1998 book, “Creating Mind,” conveys the essence and vitality of the field of neuroscience, examining the progress we’ve made in understanding how brains work and shedding light on discoveries related to aging, mental illness, and brain health.

General Organization of the Brain

The first half of the book provides the necessary foundation for an up-to-date understanding of the brain. Covering the general organization of the brain, early chapters explain how cells communicate with one another to enable us to experience the world. This section is beautifully illustrated and lucidly written, elegantly revealing the beauty of the organ that makes us uniquely human.

Higher-Level Concepts

The rest of the book delves into higher-level concepts such as vision, perception, language, memory, emotion, and consciousness. These chapters provide a comprehensive understanding of how our brains function and how these functions impact our daily lives.

A Valuable Resource for Anyone Interested in Neuroscience

Beautifully illustrated and lucidly written, this introduction to the brain is an essential read for anyone curious about our little grey cells. Whether you’re a student of neuroscience, a healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in understanding more about the human brain, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and insight.

Published by W.W. Norton & Company, this illustrated edition was released on October 30, 2018. The hardcover edition spans 256 pages and is available with the ISBN-10: 0393712575 and ISBN-13: 978-0393712575.