The Tell-Tale Brain

A Neuroscientist's Quest for What Makes Us Human

By: V. S. Ramachandran

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

V. S. Ramachandran is at the forefront of his field - so much so that Richard Dawkins dubbed him the "Marco Polo of neuroscience". Now, in a major new work, Ramachandran sets his sights on the mystery of human uniqueness.

Taking us to the frontiers of neurology, he reveals what baffling and extreme case studies can teach us about normal brain function and how it evolved. Synesthesia becomes a window into the brain mechanisms that make some of us more creative than others. And autism - for which Ramachandran opens a new direction for treatment - gives us a glimpse of the aspect of being human that we understand least: self-awareness.

Ramachandran tackles the most exciting and controversial topics in neurology with a storyteller's eye for compelling case studies and a researcher's flair for new approaches to age-old questions. Tracing the strange links between neurology and behavior, this book unveils a wealth of clues into the deepest mysteries of the human brain.

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

©2011 V.S. Ramachandran (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Ramachandran produces an exhilarating and at times funny text that invites discussion and experimentation." ( Kirkus)

What a welcome addition to the Audible selection!

At last, the great Indian neurologist Ramachandran comes to Audible! I have enjoyed his lectures on youtube for years, and it is great to see him in audible book form. The Tell-Tale Brain is in the same cannon as medical tales told by Sachs and Selzer, though Ramachandran does not quite have the literary turn of either of these two writers. He does present his material for both expert and layman (both will readily understand if proper attention is given the work), and there is humor and cultural references to move things along and make the material easier to relate to, though again, he doesn't quite have the nearly stand-up style of say a Pinker. Nonetheless, there is simply no one who can render the oddities and complexities of the brain and perception like the great Ramachandran, perhaps the best medical genius of our time, our Einstein of the neuron. This book is worth every bit you pay for it and more, and I certainly hope to see more works by this explorer of the mind and brain on Audible soon.

Excellent and understandable book

There is nothing more intimate or close to us and who we are then our own brain. In his book, The Tell Tale Brain, Dr. Ramachandran takes the listener on a tour of what could be called our most important and mysterious organ. He explores cutting edge research that brings insight into both how and why our brains work the way they do and he even looks to the future in brain research. I found the book very understandable, even though I have no medical background, other than my own and my family's health, to fall back on. I also found the accompanying PDF file of the illustrations to be most helpful

Interesting thoughts on how we think

Dr Ramachandran delivers a very interesting book with several provoking ideas on exactly how we think, from a physical and neurological viewpoint.

I found the concept and explanatory powers of "mirror neurons" quite fascinating, and would very much be interested in seeing where future research leads in that area.

I also appreciated the Oliver Sacks-like case studies, where strange and weird mental phenomena and behavior was examined and (at least theoretical) explanations were offered.

The production quality is top-notch, save I think the narrator mispronounced two words -- very minor complaint, I know. The reading is otherwise flawless, and captures well both the excitement and thoroughness of Ramachandran's thoughts, as well as the bewilderment, confusion, and personality of the case subjects.

If you are interested in the inner workings of the brain, and what that might tells us in terms of examining mind and consciousness, I highly recommend this book!

Great Insight in Easy tl Comprehend Language

Any additional comments?

An engaging probe into the recesses of the brain with extremely interesting findings. A quirky recounting of his brilliant research.

Smart Man

Okay I have listened to virtually every legit person in this field. He is one of the brave and bright among them. His work, Damasio, and Eagleman are among the best out there.

Neurologist review

Been in practice 30 years and still loved this.
Will repeat and recommend to my students

Maybe more interesting for specialists and experts

Apparently some of his theories (e.g. mirror neurons and autism) have been subsequently debunked. Interesting nonetheless. However, 13 hours of listening is too much for me and I must confess I never completed this book. It did not hold my attention to the extent that I couldn't wait to hear more.

The brain according to an evolutionist

This might be a good book if half of it wasn't based on evolutionary imagination. I want science, what is, not speculation according to what evolutionary theory assumes. No one will ever convince me science can determine what the brain was like or how it developed millions of years ago. That's speculation, imagination, assumptions, and mythology. When I read a book about what science has discovered, I want to know just that, the facts, not a pile of unscientific, unproven ideas. Unfortunately, this author has taken the unscientific subject of evolution and threw in a smattering of true scientific discovery and lost all credibility in my mind, and my interest. I made it through the first 5 chapters and it never got any better.

Always thanks to V. S. Ramachandran

Too good to read his prior book, so I choose this book without hesitation. Thanks!

Surprisingly a little outdated feeling

I think this is a good book for the general public, but I wouldn't recommend it to another neuroscientist or psychologist. This book felt almost more like a memoir than scientific education. Ramachandran gave way too much credence and air time to pseudoscientific ideas like Freud's and went on too many mystical tangents. Obviously Ramachandran is a genius and a deservedly renowned neuroscientist, but I think he's from a different time and isn't afraid of talking about his non-religious but spiritual thoughts, which is commendable but not something I was wanting to read.

Overall a largely pleasant book, though.