The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons

The History of the Human Brain as Revealed by True Stories of Trauma, Madness, and Recovery

By: Sam Kean

Narrated by: Henry Leyva

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

The author of the best seller The Disappearing Spoon reveals the secret inner workings of the brain through strange-but-true stories.

Early studies of the human brain used a simple method: Wait for misfortune to strike - strokes, seizures, infectious diseases, horrendous accidents - and see how victims coped. In many cases their survival was miraculous, if puzzling. Observers were amazed by the transformations that took place when different parts of the brain were destroyed, altering victims' personalities. Parents suddenly couldn't recognize their own children. Pillars of the community became pathological liars. Some people couldn't speak but could still sing.

In The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons, Sam Kean travels through time with stories of neurological curiosities: Phantom limbs, Siamese twin brains, viruses that eat patients' memories, blind people who see through their tongues. He weaves these narratives together to create a story of discovery that reaches back to the 1500s and the high-profile jousting accident that inspired this book's title.* With the lucid, masterful explanations and razor-sharp wit his fans have come to expect, Kean explores the brain's secret passageways and recounts the forgotten tales of the ordinary people whose struggles, resilience, and deep humanity made neuroscience possible.

*"The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons" refers to the case of French king Henri II, who in 1559 was lanced through the skull during a joust, resulting in one of the most significant cases in neuroscience history. For hundreds of years scientists have gained important lessons from traumatic accidents and illnesses, and such misfortunes still represent their greatest resource for discovery.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2014 Sam Kean (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Best book I've listened to

Absolutely love this book and will be listening to it again! It allows the laymen to understand neuroscience in a captivating way. I've never felt so compelled to leave a review but this is one I recommend to all who love great stories and/or love learning.

Fascinating History of Neuroscience

This audiobook was a very pleasant surprise. Kean is an expert storyteller, describing some of the monumental cases in the development of neuroscience -- including the gory bits. I loved Kean's saucy phraseology. Coupled with Leyva's cheeky and deadpan delivery made this book extremely entertaining; I don't usually pay much attention to the narration, but in this case I think it was an exceptional job. I highly recommend this book if you have any interest in the brain!

Incredible Interesting

Many new cases and patients I hadn't heard of with more details and easily understood explanation. Sam Kean's books are always exceptional.

witty, delightful and informative

Nonfiction works like this keep me hooked on audio books. The Narrator does an outstanding job. The material is scientific, but the author adds fascinating history and amusing anecdotes to make it interesting and humorous. The Narrator captures every bit of the humor with just the right timing and delivery.

Great Book

Well read, and the stories plus information are invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about how the brain functions.

one of the best books I've read in a while!

this book is so interesting and written well. if you have any interest in neurology or psychology, this book will open your eyes to a lot.

Unexpected laughs throughout.

I enjoy Sam Kean's books. This one, by far, is my favorite. I found myself giggling out loud at some of his descriptions. Neuroscience fascinates me and I found myself looking up most of the case studies mentioned in this book. I'm sad I finished the book but I have so much material to look up for funzies. I loved this book and definitely recommend it to others.

Great introduction to neuroscience!

Very interesting, engaging, and educational. Great fodder for the curious soul. Ideal for patient learner/ listener.

wandered off track a bit, overall good

strayed waaay off topic at times (and not in a way that was either interesting or contributed to the story), but overall a respectable layman's look at neuroscience. The narrator wasn't as bad as some reviews indicated, but I don't think I'll ever be able to get over someone mispronouncing coitus as "coh - it - uss"....

Another great read!

Entertaining and Informative! Couldn’t stop listening! Sam Kean is an instant download for me and I always enjoy how he weaves the stories and experiences of his subjects!