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Portraits of the Mind: Visualizing the Brain from Antiquity to the 21st Century
Portraits of the Mind follows the fascinating history of our exploration of the brain through images, from medieval sketches and 19th-century drawings by the founder of modern neuroscience to images produced using state-of-the-art techniques, allowing us to see the fantastic networks in the brain as never before. These black-and-white and vibrantly colored images, many resembling abstract art, are employed daily by scientists around the world, but most have never before been seen by the general public. Each chapter addresses a different set of techniques for studying the brain as revealed through the images, and each is introduced by a leading scientist in that field of study. Author Carl Schoonover’s captions provide detailed explanations of each image as well as the major insights gained by scientists over the course of the past 20 years. Accessible to a wide audience, this book reveals the elegant methods applied to study the mind, giving readers a peek at its innermost workings, helping us to understand them, and offering clues about what may lie ahead.
Praise for Portraits of the Mind:
"An odyssey through the brain, illuminated by a rainbow"
--New York Times
"Stunning images"
--Scientific American
"The collection of images in the new book Portraits of the Mind is truly impressive . . . The mix of history, science and art is terrific."
-Wired.com
"History, science, and art come together to provide a unique perspective on what's going on upstairs."
--New Yorker.com
"No knowledge of the source or subject matter of these images is necessary; the book is justified by their beauty alone."
--Science
"A remarkable new book"
- -Discover.com
"John Keats's insistence that truth is beauty is exemplified by Carl Schoonover's wonderful book Portraits of the Mind. Since one cannot understand the present without examining the past, this book offers a delightful and instructive way of accomplishing just that. I enthusiastically recommend this beautiful book both to students of brain science and to lovers of art."
-Eric R. Kandel, MD, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2000; University Professor at Columbia; Fred Kavli Professor and Director, Kavli Institute for Brain Science; Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and author of In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind
"Portraits of the Mind achieves a rare combination of beauty and knowledge. Its images of the brain are mesmerizing, from medieval engravings to modern visualizations as gorgeously abstract as anything by Rothko or de Kooning. And in explaining the nature of these images, this book also delivers an enlightening, up-to-date history of neuroscience."
-Carl Zimmer, author of Soul Made Flesh: The Discovery of the Brain-and How It Changed the World and The Mind's Eye Goes Blind: Fifteen Journeys Through the Brain
"Portraits of the Mind is a remarkable book that combines beautifully reproduced illustrations of the nervous system as it has been visualized over the centuries, as well as lively and authoritative commentaries by some of today's leading neuroscientists. It will be enjoyed by professionals and general readers alike."
--Dale Purves, MD, Professor of Neurobiology, Psychology and Neuroscience; and Philosophy at Duke University
Praise for Portraits of the Mind:
"An odyssey through the brain, illuminated by a rainbow"
--New York Times
"Stunning images"
--Scientific American
"The collection of images in the new book Portraits of the Mind is truly impressive . . . The mix of history, science and art is terrific."
-Wired.com
"History, science, and art come together to provide a unique perspective on what's going on upstairs."
--New Yorker.com
"No knowledge of the source or subject matter of these images is necessary; the book is justified by their beauty alone."
--Science
"A remarkable new book"
- -Discover.com
"John Keats's insistence that truth is beauty is exemplified by Carl Schoonover's wonderful book Portraits of the Mind. Since one cannot understand the present without examining the past, this book offers a delightful and instructive way of accomplishing just that. I enthusiastically recommend this beautiful book both to students of brain science and to lovers of art."
-Eric R. Kandel, MD, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2000; University Professor at Columbia; Fred Kavli Professor and Director, Kavli Institute for Brain Science; Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and author of In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind
"Portraits of the Mind achieves a rare combination of beauty and knowledge. Its images of the brain are mesmerizing, from medieval engravings to modern visualizations as gorgeously abstract as anything by Rothko or de Kooning. And in explaining the nature of these images, this book also delivers an enlightening, up-to-date history of neuroscience."
-Carl Zimmer, author of Soul Made Flesh: The Discovery of the Brain-and How It Changed the World and The Mind's Eye Goes Blind: Fifteen Journeys Through the Brain
"Portraits of the Mind is a remarkable book that combines beautifully reproduced illustrations of the nervous system as it has been visualized over the centuries, as well as lively and authoritative commentaries by some of today's leading neuroscientists. It will be enjoyed by professionals and general readers alike."
--Dale Purves, MD, Professor of Neurobiology, Psychology and Neuroscience; and Philosophy at Duke University
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
10 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Carl Schoonover
1 book4 followersCarl Schoonover is a doctoral candidate in neurobiology and behavior at Columbia University, where he is a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 25, 2011
Images of How the Brain Works
Carl Schoonover, a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at Columbia University, has provided information and images about the function of the central nervous system that is as fascinating a read as it is a subject. Not one to tackle all aspects of this interesting book, Schoonover has engaged fellow scientists and historians to access the history of the study of the human brain from the Middle Ages to the present. The result is a book brimming with scientific information made readable by the author in the accompanying captions to the many photographs and reproductions of drawings that illuminates the purely scientific writing of the text of the book.
The book opens with a well-written introduction and preface by the author who sets us on a journey to experience the ancient beliefs about the brain and the gradual probing of understanding how thoughts are transmitted and how the body works under the governorship of the brain. Beginning with Galen and progressing through Vesalius and Descartes (with some fascinating information on phrenology!) and Golgi, the beginning of Neuroscience as a subject begins the intensive writing and illustrations of Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852 - 1934), the Spanish histologist, neuroscientist, and Nobel laureate. From here until the end of the book are images now available through electron microscopy, MRI, and other sophisticated forms of imaging that present the art of the central nervous system. After reading the texts, returning to the book becomes an artistic experience as the illustrations are endlessly fascinating.
PORTRAITS OF THE MIND is a book that marries science and art and will likely become a part of not only schools of science and medicine, but also schools of art. Very well written and produced, this book is highly recommended for the investigative mind!
Grady Harp
Carl Schoonover, a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at Columbia University, has provided information and images about the function of the central nervous system that is as fascinating a read as it is a subject. Not one to tackle all aspects of this interesting book, Schoonover has engaged fellow scientists and historians to access the history of the study of the human brain from the Middle Ages to the present. The result is a book brimming with scientific information made readable by the author in the accompanying captions to the many photographs and reproductions of drawings that illuminates the purely scientific writing of the text of the book.
The book opens with a well-written introduction and preface by the author who sets us on a journey to experience the ancient beliefs about the brain and the gradual probing of understanding how thoughts are transmitted and how the body works under the governorship of the brain. Beginning with Galen and progressing through Vesalius and Descartes (with some fascinating information on phrenology!) and Golgi, the beginning of Neuroscience as a subject begins the intensive writing and illustrations of Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852 - 1934), the Spanish histologist, neuroscientist, and Nobel laureate. From here until the end of the book are images now available through electron microscopy, MRI, and other sophisticated forms of imaging that present the art of the central nervous system. After reading the texts, returning to the book becomes an artistic experience as the illustrations are endlessly fascinating.
PORTRAITS OF THE MIND is a book that marries science and art and will likely become a part of not only schools of science and medicine, but also schools of art. Very well written and produced, this book is highly recommended for the investigative mind!
Grady Harp
December 1, 2011
You do not have to be a scientist to enjoy this book. I came to the book from an artist's perspective and recommend the book to anyone interested in intersections between Art and Science, especially practicing artists in this field.
In saying that, none of the images are stand-alone artistic projects.The images in the book are all developed for scientific as oposed to purely aesthetic purposes.
You will not find any direct aesthetic or visual arts theory in the book, though its essays and captions cover the history and developments of imaging the body (brain specifically) in such an informative, interesting and accessible manner, that any artist developing their own theories, thoughts or work in the field will gain much from reading between the lines.
In saying that, none of the images are stand-alone artistic projects.The images in the book are all developed for scientific as oposed to purely aesthetic purposes.
You will not find any direct aesthetic or visual arts theory in the book, though its essays and captions cover the history and developments of imaging the body (brain specifically) in such an informative, interesting and accessible manner, that any artist developing their own theories, thoughts or work in the field will gain much from reading between the lines.
November 7, 2011
Beautiful book! It's basically eye-candy for people who enjoy neuroscience. I'm a neuroanatomist and I can tell you that we're pretty under appreciated. ;) I think it's really nice that readers of this book can see the beauty that this type of research can produce.
August 2, 2018
Art and neuroscience collide!
It is a fantastic collection of scientific illustrations of the brain at all scales, from nano to macro. It could be regarded as a wonderful summary of neuroscience history through beautiful pictures. However, I would say it is more than that: the captions contain some of the clearest layman's explanations of some of the most advanced neuroimaging techniques.
I consider this book succeeds not only in popularizing neuroscience, but also as an art book, since it contains some of the most awe-inspiring illustrations of both human and animal brain.
It is a fantastic collection of scientific illustrations of the brain at all scales, from nano to macro. It could be regarded as a wonderful summary of neuroscience history through beautiful pictures. However, I would say it is more than that: the captions contain some of the clearest layman's explanations of some of the most advanced neuroimaging techniques.
I consider this book succeeds not only in popularizing neuroscience, but also as an art book, since it contains some of the most awe-inspiring illustrations of both human and animal brain.
January 6, 2019
Beautiful images and very clear writing make this a great resource for anyone interested in the history and current trends in brain imaging
September 4, 2021
Basic science to attract you.. only.
December 30, 2015
I loved this book. Those who say that science "unweaves the rainbow" (to borrow Dawkin's turn of phrase) and makes the ineffable mundane by means of reductionist explanations need to see this book. An intersection of art and science, an ode to the journey of brains in understanding themselves, it has successfully hijacked my awe response and refused to let go. There is something beautiful about gazing upon an intricate and infinitely complex picture of the human brain and feeling the inexplicable longing for order, pattern and understanding.
The explanations succinctly detail the history of our understanding of the brain through a series of beautiful illustrations. This book is appropriate to laymen with highschool knowledge of chemistry/biology and does not require a great deal of knowledge to be appreciated, although those versed in neuroscience will likely learn something new as well. Engaging, enthralling and at no point dry, it highlights the pure joy and beauty of scientific discovery.
This book serves as inspiration for me, a budding enthusiast of the cognitive sciences. It is perfect as a coffee table book, to share with friend's ones profound love of things that happen inside all of our skulls. Or simply for that shot of awe required when contemplating the depths and wonder of the natural universe inside our own minds.
The explanations succinctly detail the history of our understanding of the brain through a series of beautiful illustrations. This book is appropriate to laymen with highschool knowledge of chemistry/biology and does not require a great deal of knowledge to be appreciated, although those versed in neuroscience will likely learn something new as well. Engaging, enthralling and at no point dry, it highlights the pure joy and beauty of scientific discovery.
This book serves as inspiration for me, a budding enthusiast of the cognitive sciences. It is perfect as a coffee table book, to share with friend's ones profound love of things that happen inside all of our skulls. Or simply for that shot of awe required when contemplating the depths and wonder of the natural universe inside our own minds.
February 23, 2013
Another book I took out of the library for its illustrations--from drawings of the brain as imagined by Galen in the 2nd century to the latest brain-imaging technology, Schoonover provides a visual feast. The complexity of the brain is well-documented; still, though much progress has been made in the last 100 years in the mapping and understanding of how information travels in the brain, the amount that remains to be discovered about brain function is layers deeper. And though MRIs and microscopy can certainly be dazzling and often have an eerie resemblance to abstract art, the drawings made by early scientists have a delicate, stark, and moving beauty that machines cannot replicate for me.
The author is hopeful that these investigations and their discoveries will lead to new ways to treat malfunctions of the brain and dysfunctions in behavior. He seems unreasonably optimistic that it will not also lead to misuse--attempts to influence or control human thought and behavior for power or personal gain, without the permission or comprehension of the subject. Acknowledgement of the need for an ethical framework would have been welcome in the well researched and always fascinating compilation.
The author is hopeful that these investigations and their discoveries will lead to new ways to treat malfunctions of the brain and dysfunctions in behavior. He seems unreasonably optimistic that it will not also lead to misuse--attempts to influence or control human thought and behavior for power or personal gain, without the permission or comprehension of the subject. Acknowledgement of the need for an ethical framework would have been welcome in the well researched and always fascinating compilation.
August 15, 2011
Awesome and maddening. Maddeningly awesome. It's sort of like taking a docent-led tour of a neuroscience museum / exploratorium. There are a lot of incredibly intriguing images and tidbits and caption fragments, but then you are basically left hanging if you desire to actually understand the figures and methods, rather than simply to enjoy them aesthetically.
Still, I've never seen anything else like this, and I admire the motivation behind it and the curatorial skill.
Still, I've never seen anything else like this, and I admire the motivation behind it and the curatorial skill.
June 7, 2012
There's a lot of information packed into this book, and it is accompanied by beautiful glossy images. as the title and subtitle suggest, this little gem of a book discusses all known forms of brain imaging or visualization of the brain, from the past (such as phrenology) to the present (fMRI, EEG, MRI, etc.). I found it a JOY to read, but then again, I do like brains! This would be a great supplement to anyone's education in neurology or psychology, and is a great piece for a library.
February 28, 2011
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. This is a very pretty book.
The fields of science and stage magic are probably both better off for Carl Schoonover choosing the former, though - he's got an admirably insatiable need to tell the audience how the tricks are done.
The fields of science and stage magic are probably both better off for Carl Schoonover choosing the former, though - he's got an admirably insatiable need to tell the audience how the tricks are done.
October 1, 2014
Loved this book. The images were beautiful (frame-it-and-put-it-on-your-wall beauitful). The writing was illuminating, challenging, and really made me think.
The perfect combination of being visually and conceptually compelling.
The perfect combination of being visually and conceptually compelling.
Want to read
December 6, 2010As seen in the
New York Times
.
December 4, 2012
Science + Art = idon'tknowbutiwanttodoitwhenigrowup
April 1, 2019
"Truth is beautiful" - is the leitmotif of this book and I don't think I can describe it better.
February 19, 2013
awesome and inspiring. much more than a coffee table book full of pretty pictures.
June 9, 2015
Amazing pictures and great explanations on the evolution of brains!
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April 20, 2017Recommended by Sarah Morrison (MorrisonDance).
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews