In Search of Memory

by Eric Kandel
In Search of Memory cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3332
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780393329377
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2007-02-27
  • Reviews: 3

In this captivating book, Nobel Prize winner Eric R. Kandel masterfully intertwines his personal journey with the intellectual history of memory science. From his childhood in Nazi-occupied Vienna to his pioneering work in neuroscience, Kandel explores how the brain creates and stores memories, blending memoir with scientific inquiry. Kandel delves into the intersection of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and molecular biology, offering a comprehensive look at the biological basis of memory. His unique approach weaves together historical context, scientific breakthroughs, and personal reflections, making this book a compelling read for anyone interested in the workings of the human mind.

Reviews
Nemo's Library · 2009-02-27
captivating 4.50

The book is praised for its unique blend of autobiography and textbook, making it read like a mystery novel. The reviewer found it so engaging that they couldn't put it down.

The reviewer was captivated by the book's unique blend of autobiography and textbook, which reads like a good mystery novel. They found the narrative so engaging that they could hardly put it down until they finished it. The reviewer appreciates how the book manages to be both informative and entertaining, making complex scientific concepts accessible and interesting. They highlight the book's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It's part autobiography and part textbook, but reads like a good mystery novel.

    I could hardly put it down until I finished it.

    The book manages to be both informative and entertaining, making complex scientific concepts accessible and interesting.

PMC - NCBI · F Mechner · 2008-01-01
fascinating 4.20

The book is described as a fascinating autobiography and multifaceted case history in neuroscience research. It is accessible to laymen and instructive to working scientists.

The reviewer finds the book to be a fascinating autobiography and a multifaceted case history in neuroscience research. They appreciate how accessible the book is to laymen, making complex scientific concepts understandable. The reviewer also notes that the book is potentially instructive to working scientists, highlighting its broad appeal. They praise the book's ability to intertwine cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and molecular biology, making it a valuable read for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    This fascinating autobiography and multifaceted case history in neuroscience research is accessible to laymen and potentially instructive to working scientists.

    The book intertwines cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and molecular biology in a compelling manner.

    It is a valuable read for both laymen and working scientists.

Neurophilosophy · 2006-07-20
engaging 4.00

The book's opening passages evoke vivid memories and the writing style is engaging, making complex scientific concepts accessible. The reviewer appreciates the blend of personal narrative and scientific exploration.

The reviewer was immediately drawn in by the opening passages of the book, which reminded them of a favorite poem and brought back vivid memories. They found the writing style to be engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable. The reviewer appreciates how the book blends personal narrative with scientific exploration, creating a compelling read that is both informative and engaging. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to make the intricacies of neuroscience accessible to a broader audience.

Quick quotes

    The opening passages reminded me of my favourite poem, and brought it flooding back to my mind.

    Kandel's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable.

    The book blends personal narrative with scientific exploration, creating a compelling read.

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