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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

By: Oliver Sacks
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Oliver Sacks
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About this listen

A classic work of psychology, this international bestseller provides a groundbreaking insight into the human mind. With an introduction by Will Self, read by Oliver Sacks.

If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self – himself – he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it.

In this extraordinary book, Dr. Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients struggling to adapt to often bizarre worlds of neurological disorder. Here are people who can no longer recognize everyday objects or those they love; who are stricken with violent tics or shout involuntary obscenities, and yet are gifted with uncanny artistic or mathematical talents. If inconceivably strange, these brilliant tales illuminate what it means to be human.

A provocative exploration of the mysteries of the human mind, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a million-copy bestseller by the twentieth century's greatest neurologist.

©1985 Oliver Sacks (P)2011 Audible, Inc Brain & Nervous System Essays Mental Health Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Nonfiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Health Human Brain

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These case studies are often mesmerising, very interesting and eloquently described but bear in mind that this was written over 40 years ago and so his conclusions do not have the benefit of modern insights and some of the language used will offend modern sensibilities. This is most evident in the final section dealing with learning disabilities and autism entitled, tellingly, "The Simple". Doubtless the terms used here were commonplace at the time and are not meant pejoratively but it is still jarring when he refers to his subjects as moron, idiot or mental defective (to name a few terms used). Nevertheless, Sacks comes across as compassionate and intelligent, if a little paternalistic. Caveats aside, this is worth a listen.

Dated but still fascinating, with problematic language at points.

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Compassionate enquiry that exams both disease and the impact of culture, our society on individuals. Shines a light on the beautiful people too often seen only as disordered.

Beautifully written and read.

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I now have an understanding of basic neurology and the issues surrounding neurological disability thanks to Oliver sacks

an introduction to neurology

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An amazing insight into neurological conditions, some I didn't even know were real, and a sometimes sad, sometimes happy glimpse into the lives of others. Very well read and performed.

Fascinating Book

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I was skeptical of the title at first and didn’t know what I was getting myself into. It’s so well written and performed, every chapter is eye opening and close to home, more so then Bill Bryson’s books, the performance is excellent too, if you liked Bill Bryson books, and other science non-fiction style books I highly recommend this, its like third wheeling another person’s counselling session but with additional context

Psychology version of history of everything

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This book was an amazing listen - the stories were interesting and different from anything I've read before. Sacks' accounts of his different patients are written so you can really imagine the patients there with you. It's really eye-opening about the world of neurological disorders and the methods that doctors can use to try and diagnose and treat the conditions. Definitely worth listening, and brilliant value on audible!

Fantastic listen!

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Fascinating as long as you take much of the terminology and opinions with a pinch of salt, knowing this is a 40 year old piece of work. But definitely worth a read.

Interesting but dated.

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Most of the stories where interesting but it sometimes got a bit boring or hard to understand

Okay

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This was the most interesting and thought-provoking book I have read in… I can’t even remember!!! The cases presented are amazing and worthy of their own book, but I was in awe of the author’s quest for a neurology and indeed a science of the WHOLE PERSON, looking at an individual for all that they are, rather than just their defects or illnesses.

I have been recommending this book to everyone I know since the first couple of chapters and I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. I think everyone should read this. I genuinely do!

I am making this book my entire personality

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An inspirational insight into our minds, our ability to heal and compensate biologically and neurotically and how we might treat those, we may not initially understand, better.

I mistook this for a humorous book

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