Description
Book SynopsisNeuroscientist Eric R. Kandel recounts his remarkable career since receiving the Nobel in 2000. He takes readers through his lab’s scientific advances as well as his efforts to promote public understanding of science and to put brain science and art into conversation.
Trade ReviewThis 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 memory—a 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 Neuroscientist’s Quest for What Makes Us HumanOf course Eric Kandel didn’t 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. Kandel—an escapee from Nazi Austria and a student of history and literature in college—reflects 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 BrainsA short, cheerful memoir from an energetic Nobel laureate. * Kirkus *
In this remarkable recap of his post-prize career, Kandel’s intellect and passion are present on every page. Readers will be awed by the depth and breadth of Kandel’s work. * Publishers Weekly *
Has Eric Kandel rested on his laurels? No. [This book] adds to Kandel’s 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 *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Moving to Columbia and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
2. Further Advances in Science
3. Adventures in the Public Understanding of Science
4. Introducing Brain Science to Art
5. Return to Austria
6. Columbia University and the Science of Mind, Brain, Behavior
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Awards
Notes
References
Index
