Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060892897 ISBN 13: 9780060892890

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2009

What happened along the evolutionary trail that made humans so unique? In his accessible style, Michael Gazzaniga pinpoints the change that made us thinking, sentient humans different from our predecessors. He explores what makes human brains special, the importance of language and art in defining the human condition, the nature of human consciousness, and even artificial intelligence.

About the Author:

Michael S. Gazzaniga is internationally recognized in the field of neuroscience and a pioneer in cognitive research. He is the director of the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of many popular science books, including Who’s in Charge? (Ecco, 2011). He has six children and lives in California with his wife.

Review:

“Gazzaniga, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara (and one of the inventors of the field), takes us on a lively tour through the latest research on brain evolution.” (New York Times Book Review)

“The book is an intellectual romp through the cognitive neurosciences . . . a rich testimony to the incredible accomplishments of the human brain in coming to understand itself.” (New York Sun)

“In this book, Gazzaniga uses science AND some truly engaging, witty writing to explain us to us.” (CNBC.com)

“A savvy, witty guide to neuroscience today.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Brilliantly written and utterly fascinating. Gazzaniga stands as a giant among neuroscientists, for both the quality of his research and his ability to communicate it to a general public with infectious enthusiasm.” (Robert Bazell, Chief Science Correspondent, NBC News)

“One could ask for no better guide... compelling, wide-ranging tour.” (Daniel Henninger)

“[Readers] will enjoy the science he unravels.” (Floyd E. Bloom)

“Michael Gazzaniga shares his considerable insight... compelling, and at the same time, clear.” (Dr. Steven E. Hyman)

“Gazzaniga is one of the founders of the field of cognitive neuroscience... full of dazzling insights... engaging.”-- (V.S. Ramachandran)

“...[A] shimmering new book...[Gazzaniga] explains the latest findings from the sciences of mind and brain in a coherent and satisfying narrative. This is the place to look to learn about our best scientific understanding of what it means to be human.” (Steven Pinker, author of THE LANGUAGE INSTINCT and HOW THE MIND WORKS)

“As wide-ranging as it is deep, and as entertaining as it is informative, the latest offering from UC–Santa Barbara neuroscientist Gazzaniga (The Ethical Brain) will please a diverse array of readers. (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Readers of Gazzaniga’s intriguing insights into the realm of neuroscience are certain to have their consciousnesses pleasantly piqued in numerous ways.” (Saturday Evening Post)

“Wonderfully smart and often funny...I recommend [HUMAN] highly. This book combines succinct views of how we became the amazing animals that we are, the biological bases of morality, and some atonishing futurology.” (Titlepage.tv)

“As wide-ranging as it is deep, and as entertaining as it is informative, the latest offering from University of California at Santa Barbara neuroscientist Gazzaniga (The Ethical Brain) will please a diverse array of readers.” (Washington Examiner)

“Sweeping, erudite and humorous. . . If you are looking for one book that gives you a Cook’s Tour of the human brain, where it came from and where it is heading, this would be an excellent choice.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)