Gray Matters

A Biography of Brain Surgery

De: Theodore H. Schwartz

Narrado por: Sean Pratt

An Economist Best Book of 2024

“If you are at all curious about the brain or the surgeons who operate on it, Gray Matters is a must read and Dr. Theodore Schwartz is the perfect guide, a master brain surgeon and superbly talented writer. I have not read a better biography of our shared profession, and in Schwartz's talented hands, the most enigmatic 3 1/2 pounds of tissue in the known universe comes to light in remarkable and revelatory ways.”
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, and New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age

A popular biography of brain surgery, by one of its preeminent practitioners

We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s not brain surgery.” But what exactly is brain surgery? It’s a profession that is barely a hundred years old and profoundly connects two human beings, but few know how it works, or its history. How did early neurosurgeons come to understand the human brain—an extraordinarily complex organ that controls everything we do, and yet at only three pounds is so fragile? And how did this incredibly challenging and lifesaving specialty emerge?

In this warm, rigorous, and deeply insightful book, Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz explores what it’s like to hold the scalpel, wield the drill, extract a tumor, fix a bullet hole, and remove a blood clot—when every second can mean life or death. Drawing from the author’s own cases, plus media, sports, and government archives, this seminal work delves into all the brain-related topics that have long-consumed public curiosity, like what really happened to JFK, President Biden’s brain surgery, and the NFL’s management of CTE. Dr. Schwartz also surveys the field’s latest incredible advances and discusses the philosophical questions of the unity of the self and the existence of free will.

A neurosurgeon as well as a professor of neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, one of the busiest and most highly ranked neurosurgery centers in the world, Dr. Schwartz tells this story like no one else could. Told through anecdote and clear explanation, this is the ultimate cultural and scientific history of a literally mind-blowing human endeavor, one that cuts to the core of who we are.

Fascinating

My brain surgery was for a non cancerous Meningioma on my optic chiasm. Lost 75 % of my vision. This “listen” was simply amazing. From the wonder of our brains, neuroplasticy, research advancements, mixed with the resilience of this patient there is hope for so many! A must read for my journey. Thank you Dr Schwartz!

Wrong about Kennedy

Check recent information. 4 bullets, 3 in Kennedy, 1 from front in throat, 1 in Connolly

Fascinating!

This was a most interesting and educational book. Having the author read the book made the listening even more enjoyable.

The reading and the product

Was one of the best books I have recently read, and the reader made it sound like a personal story he is telling. And being 94 and retired it was.
Ralph J Argen MD FACP FACR

Gripping storytelling

All of us have someone close who will develop a brain problem. It may be a stroke, trauma, seizure, or tumor. I thought, why not educate myself on those subjects while being entertained? These issues come alive when presented as the case studies of Lincoln, Kennedy, Mohammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, and Emilia Clarke.

The neurosurgical residency can be very rigorous. I laughed out loud when I read about a resident who spent 100 days in the hospital without coming home. His wife left him but returned when overcome with guilt. When he finally came home he thought everything was fine as he had not known that his wife had left.

As a physician, I enjoy my successes but my negative outcomes stay with me for life. Dr. Schwartz shares those feelings.

I particularly enjoyed the topic of whether free will is an illusion.

My favorite physician author was Dr. Abraham Verghese but now it is Dr. Schwartz. By reading his book, I can tell that he is skilled, on the cutting edge, yet prudent. Also, his empathy comes through in his writing. If I ever need brain surgery, I will seek him out.

Gary Matsumura, MD