Matthew’s new book about the history of research on the brain is now out in both the UK and the US (Amazon links provided). I read it in advance and blurbed it; it’s very good.
I’m not alone in my opinion, as the first five reviews that I know of all praise the book unstintingly. Links below:
1). New Statesman, review by Henry Marsh, brain surgeon and author.
Money quote: “an intellectual tour de force, and a brilliant demonstration of how a historical approach is often the best way of explaining difficult scientific problems… I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.”2.) Science, review by Alex Gomez-Martin, researcher at the Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Alicante, Spain
Money quote: “Cobb’s erudition and engaging writing style take us on an enthralling journey”3). Wall Street Journal, review by Carol Tavris, social psychologist and well known author. Full review not free online but I can send you a pdf.
Money quote: “The Idea of the Brain” is “elegant… engrossing… clear and lively… The reader will come away from this illuminating history of thinking about the brain with a renewed appreciation of the task that remains.”4.) Science News, review by Laura Sanders, neuroscience writer and journalist.
Money quote: “a fascinating tour of how concepts of the brain have morphed over time. His writing is clear, thoughtful and, when called for, funny.”5.) Scientific American, on list of “Recommended books” by Andrea Gawrylewski.
Money quote: “If you know nothing about neuroscience and need to get up to speed fast, don’t go out and buy an “Idiot’s Guide.” Instead try this brilliant offering, in which zoologist and science historian Cobb dives into the fundamentals—and the frontiers—of our understanding of the brain.”
Well, what are you waiting for? I told you it was good!
Awesome!
Nice reviews, congrats to Matthew! It’s only £5.44 in the Kindle version too – hope that doesn’t reduce royalties too much!
Ordered from my local bookshop. This will the forth (? fifth? – I lose track) of Matthew’s books I will have read. All have been excellent so these reviews don’t surprise me.
+1
Just downloaded for Kindle.
Great! I’ll look up the reviews. Sounds very interesting. I still have to read Matthew’s book Life’s Greatest Secret (I do have it!).
That book is excellent!
I preordered this when you initially posted about it. I look forward to reading it.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of Matthew’s books that I have read.
Ditto
My copy arrived yesterday…a pleasant surprise, since I hadn’t realized it was going to be there.
Wonderful. It’s on my reading list.
Astonishingly, Matthew doesn’t have a Wikipedia article yet – will try to start one as soon as I can find the time.
I’m listening to my copy on Audible – excellent!
My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Looking forward to reading it.
Correction. It arrives today!
Pre-ordered on Kindle; it downloaded the other day. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Great news. I am about to order two copies this afternoon…one for my grandson who graduates this semester from virginia tech with a degree in neuroscience and one for myself, a retired engineer who always learns great new stuff from matthew’s excellent writings.
Purchased and my next read.
Excellent news. I’m looking forward to listening to my Audible copy purchased today.