Intelligence, consciousness, memory and emotion all have their roots in our brains. The relationship between mind and brain may seem obvious today, but several centuries were needed to confirm its existence. After a fascinating historical foray spanning from Ancient Greece to the present day, the author explains how a brain is made, how it changes over time, how it works, what happens when it breaks down and how (and if) it can be fixed. The book also reminds us that we use our brains even when we think that our hearts are shaping our behaviour.

Carlo Umilt used to teach Neuropsychology at the University of Padua, where he directed the Galilean School of Higher Education.