This is an amazing book that gives us a peek inside the mind of one of the giants of contemporary neuroscience. While most of us struggle to succeed in a single discipline, Eric R. Kandel has excelled in three: first his discovery of the neural basis of memorya discovery comparable to DNA; second, as an art historian successfully bridging art and neuroscience; and now, a parallel career, as a science writer of almost unparalleled excellence. -- V. S. Ramachandran, author of The Tell-Tale Brain: A Neuroscientists Quest for What Makes Us Human Of course Eric Kandel didnt stop doing experiments on learning and memory after he got a Nobel Prize; he would have had to become an entirely different person. But what did change, fortunately for the reader, is that he acquired the skill and confidence to convey deep scientific insights about the brain as they relate to a variety of subjects, such as abstract expressionist art, gender dysphoria, poverty, and morality. -- Margaret S. Livingstone, Takeda Professor of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School This is an inspiring and unique story of creativity, perseverance, and humanity from the most influential neuroscientist of his generation. -- Larry W. Swanson, University Professor, Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences, and Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Southern California In this slim but wide-ranging book, Eric R. Kandelan escapee from Nazi Austria and a student of history and literature in collegereflects thoughtfully on his recent research as a benchtop neuroscientist, his experiences as a public communicator about brain and cognitive science, and his keen exploration of the arts. -- Howard Gardner, Hobbs Research Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education Eric Kandel is a scientific giant. As in his other wonderful books, he has a fascinating tale to tell in this one, and does it well. A great story to read. -- Joseph E. LeDoux, Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science, New York University, and author of The Deep History of Ourselves: The Four-Billion-Year Story of How We Got Conscious Brains A short, cheerful memoir from an energetic Nobel laureate. * Kirkus * In this remarkable recap of his post-prize career, Kandels intellect and passion are present on every page. Readers will be awed by the depth and breadth of Kandels work. * Publishers Weekly * Has Eric Kandel rested on his laurels? No. [ This book] adds to Kandels respected literary oeuvre, which ranges from neuroscience textbooks to highly original popular science. * Nature * The 'great joy' that [ he derives from] explaining science to the public can also be felt in Kandel's new book. * Austrian Press Agency * Accessible and interesting. . . . [ Kandel has] a truly gifted mind with a facility for teaching, and a willingness to do so. Four stars. * Nonstop Reader *
