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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Oliver Sacks
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
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Summary
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.
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What listeners say about The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- A. Jenkins
- 25-03-24
Dated but still fascinating, with problematic language at points.
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 08-12-18
an introduction to neurology
I now have an understanding of basic neurology and the issues surrounding neurological disability thanks to Oliver sacks
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Harriette Davis
- 17-05-24
Fascinating Book
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- H W
- 05-03-20
Delightful
I read this as I started medical school and it was delightful to read again 10 years later!
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Aqeel
- 23-08-22
Eye opener
Quite enjoyed it. Unusual journeys presented in an unbelievable manner. Even recommended for medical people
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ash
- 25-06-24
Beautifully written and read.
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kate E-J
- 27-01-19
Fantastic listen!
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!
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Emily Bell
- 04-04-22
Interesting but dated.
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.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ella
- 26-12-22
Okay
Most of the stories where interesting but it sometimes got a bit boring or hard to understand
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lorena B
- 16-09-23
I am making this book my entire personality
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!
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