Press Release

Press Release

Description

Ten years ago a presidential proclamation ushered in the Decade of the Brain. We have since realized enormous benefits from this decade of discovery. Scientists now have a better understanding and appreciation of the complexity of this rather unassuming three-pound mass of interwoven cells. Over the years, we have gleaned insights into how the brain functions, physically and chemically. We have even seen evidence of how a healthy brain contributes to our overall sense of wellness. And perhaps most important of all, we now more than ever recognize the awesome power and potential of the human brain.

Each of the brain s developmental stages provides its own opportunities and perils. Each is part of a marvelous narrative opening at the very moment of conception, building to peak adult neurological performance when the brain contains its full repertoire of cells, and slowly edging toward the denouement of old age. The Secret Life of the Brain tells this fascinating story by tracing the patterns that only careful study has revealed to us.

Equal parts fragile and tenacious, development continues unabated across the entire life span through five specific stages: gestation, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. In each of these phases, the opportunities are abundant, while the dangers remain equally apparent. Deprive a baby s brain of light and sound and human contact, and you stunt normal development. Should a teenager take drugs, the brain becomes contaminated by the unnatural chemicals that are introduced into the body. Like a muscle in our arms or legs, if we ignore the brain, leave it untended, it becomes flaccid and slow, especially as we move into old age, when the brain is more vulnerable to afflictions.

The Secret Life of the Brain explores each of these five stages in detail. Like the PBS series of the same name, the complex subject of leading-edge brain science is presented in terms accessible to all and brought to life through anecdotes and real-life stories. Told by best-selling author Dr. Richard Restak, the majesty and the mystery of human intelligence are unveiled.

Reviews

Winner of FOREWORD MAGAZINE's Book of the Year Award

"... [an] accessible, fascinating book."
-- Chicago Tribune, December 2, 2001

"...this clearly written and richly illustrated volume demonstrates both his mastery of an incredibly complex topic and his continuing ability to find new things to say about it. ... Dr. Restak's discussion is illuminated and humanized by numerous interviews with scientists on the frontline of research and examples of how brain malfunctions affect real people."
-- Washington Times, December 9, 2001

"[provides] thoughtful sketches that should fully engage the left hemisphere of the reader's brain."
-- SCIENCE magazine, January 11, 2002

"...an engaging introduction to the development of the human brain."
-- Library Journal, February 2002

"Written in clear and precise language, unlike most books written by physicians, a prerequisite of at least 10 years of medical training is not needed to understand this work."
-- The Laurel Gazette, February 7, 2002

"...well-illustrated popular survey of recent research and theories of human brain development and capacities..."
-- WordTrade.com

"...a masterful popular presentation of the science of the human brain."
-- The PDF News, Fall 2002

"In preparing this book the author was able to explore in greater depth issues only briefly considered previously. Therefore, the book not only recounts the details from the television series, but also adds to them. ... Within each chapter the brain's continuing journey is explored in the context of real-life situations, which brings a unique meaning to the discussion. In addition, many excellent diagrams and photographs support the easy to read text."
-- British Journal of Neurology, 2002

"The style is authoritative... It's quite comprehensive..."
-- FOCUS, June 1, 2003

"Everything you want to know about Homo sapiens' most important organ."
-- The Futurist, July 1, 2003

"A fascinating biography of the human brain. Restak excels at making difficult material accessible."
-- Peter Kramer, Author of Listening to Prozac and Spectacular Happiness

"What a joy! The Secret Life of the Brain is a powerful book that illuminates the hardware of humanity, the human brain. From infancy through old age, this lucid book helps us understand our emotions, fears, moods, and actions. Dr. Restak is masterful at making complex scientific information easy to understand -- the hallmark of a superb teacher."
-- Daniel G. Amen, M.D., Author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life and Healing ADD

"In the last decade, science has abounded with new and exciting discoveries unlocking many of the mysteries of the mind and shedding light on devastating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. The Secret Life of the Brain takes the reader on a journey of hope for coming medical miracles that could profoundly affect the lives of every American family."
-- Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease

"Eminently readable for the non-expert and expert alike, this book conveys the big picture at the same time as it covers the small, exciting, and important details about the brain through the human lifespan. The illustrations are both beautiful and accurate. Very well done!"
-- Stan Watson, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Univerity of Michigan, and Co-Director and Research Scientist, Mental Health Research Institute

"Dr. Restak offers us a look at one of the most exciting current areas of medical research, i.e., that on the brain. He has made the increasing knowledge regarding brain development and function come alive with a vivid snapshot of how brain and human behavior interact. With rich examples of individuals both in normal life and with clinical problems, he allows the reader to see specific understandable meaning in the complicated development of the brain. This both will excite people's interest and allow them to see the potency of the brain in relationship to people's bodies and functions. He has produced an exciting and most readable book which allows you to enjoy as you learn."
-- Herbert Pardes, M.D., President and CEO of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center

"The book was written as a companion to the PBS series of the same name, but its readability does not depend on one's having seen the series. ... Restak's message is a hopeful one."
-- Ruminator Review, Spring 2002

Author Biography

Dr. Richard Restak is a practicing neurologist and neuropsychiatrist and the author of dozens of articles and more than 15 books on the brain, including The Brain, Mysteries of the Mind, and The Longevity Strategy. The Brain, also a companion book to a PBS series, was a national bestseller. A marvelous science communicator, Restak has appeared on National Public Radio s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, PBS s McNeil-Lehrer Report, NBC s Today Show, ABC s Good Morning America, and the Discovery Channel. Restak has served on various national advisory councils for brain research and has been a consultant to PBS and to NBC s Today Show. Dr. Restak is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. He lives and practices in Washington, D.C.

Authoring Organizations

• Joseph Henry Press (JHP)
• More Titles from JHP

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