47 pages 1 hour read

V. S. Ramachandran

The Tell-Tale Brain

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Tell-Tale Brain, V.S. Ramachandran explores human brain structure and functions by studying patients with neurological disorders to understand what makes humans unique, covering topics like phantom limb syndrome, visual perception, synesthesia, mirror neurons, autism, language evolution, aesthetics, and the concept of self. The book contains discussions on neurological disorders and developmental conditions.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

V. S. Ramachandran's The Tell-Tale Brain is widely praised for its compelling insights into neuroscience, blending scientific rigor with accessible prose. Critics appreciate its intriguing exploration of human cognition and creativity. However, some find the author's speculative theories lacking empirical support. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read with both strengths and weaknesses.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tell-Tale Brain?

A reader who would enjoy The Tell-Tale Brain by V. S. Ramachandran is likely fascinated by neuroscience, psychology, and the mysteries of human cognition. Similar to fans of Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, they appreciate compelling, accessible explanations of complex brain phenomena.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Values/Ideas: Art

Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos

Topics

Science / Nature

Psychology

Philosophy

Genre

Psychology

Philosophy