Description

The brain weighs just three and a half pounds, but it governs every aspect of our lives…

‘A fascinating and wide-ranging account of what neurosurgery is really about – the past, present and future.’ Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm

Since its inception in the early twentieth century, brain surgery has maintained an air of mystery. As the saying ‘it’s not exactly brain surgery’ suggests, the specialty has become synonymous with a level of complexity and meticulousness rivalled only by, well, rocket science.

Warm, rigorous and deeply insightful, neurosurgeon Theodore Schwartz reveals what it’s really like to get inside someone’s head – where every second can mean the difference between life or death. Drawing from Schwartz’s experience in one of New York’s busiest hospitals, Gray Matters explores the short but storied history of brain surgery. From the dark days of the lobotomy to the latest research into the long-term effects of contact sports on athletes’ cerebral health, Schwartz unfolds the fascinating story of how we came to understand this extraordinary, three-pound organ, which not only keeps us alive, but makes us who we are.

‘Fascinating… Schwartz’s way with words is as skilful as his wielding of microscissors.’ Mail on Sunday

Publisher Review

‘A fascinating and wide-ranging account of what neurosurgery is really about – the past, present and future.’ -Henry Marsh, neurosurgeon and bestselling author of Do No Harm ‘With equal doses compassion, humour, and narrative skill, Schwartz creates a spellbinding account of what goes through the brain of a top neurosurgeon staring into the deep mysteries of his patients’ brains. A must read for anyone who has ever had a brain.’ -Daniel J. Levitin, author of This is Your Brain on Music ‘Gray Matters is a riveting journey through the intricacies and complexities of the human brain, a compelling read for anyone considering a career in medicine, or anyone simply curious about the work life of a brain surgeon. The fascinating stories of people undergoing brain surgery highlight the mix of human ingenuity and daring that have propelled the field.’ -Anna Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation ‘If you are at all curious about the brain or the surgeons who operate on it, Gray Matters is a must read and Dr. Theodore Schwartz is the perfect guide, a master brain surgeon and superbly talented writer. I have not read a better biography of our shared profession, and in Schwartz’s talented hands, the most enigmatic 3 1/2 pounds of tissue in the known universe comes to light in remarkable and revelatory ways.’ -Dr. Sanjay Gupta, New York Times bestselling author of Keep Sharp ‘Blending personal experiences from the operating room with neuroscience’s historical roots and contemporary examples, Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz gives readers a captivating glimpse into the high-stakes, emotionally charged world of brain surgery. A riveting read that unveils the humanity, history, and science behind the scalpel.’ -Dana Suskind, paediatric surgeon and author of New York Times bestseller Parent Nation ‘An exciting and engaging romp around the history, innerworkings, and near limitless potential of the human brain. If you like Mary Roach’s genre of immersive storytelling then you will love this view from the inside of the world of brain surgery. An outstanding read, and I highly recommend to brain surgeons and non-brain surgeons alike!’ -Jay Wellons, author of All That Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, and Their Stories of Grace and Resilience ‘An informative study of modern brain surgery… Mixing expertise with storytelling, Schwartz provides a remarkable account of a crucial but misunderstood field.’ -Kirkus, starred review ‘Neurosurgeon Schwartz’s excellent debut intersperses details about the history of brain surgery with background on what it’s like to perform the procedure… Sweeping and consistently captivating, this impresses.’ -Publishers Weekly, starred review