Lehrer argues in this original book that science is not the only path to knowledge. In fact, where the brain is concerned, art got there first. Focusing on a group of artists, Lehrer shows how each one discovered an essential truth about the human mind that science is only now rediscovering.

Reviews

Blogger (scienceblogs.com/cortex) and Seed magazine editor-at-large Lehrer presents a deft and fascinating analysis of how five writers, a painter, a composer, and a chef discovered truths about the brain that took science decades to realize. Actor/musician/narrator Dan John Miller's (Generation Text) rich, smooth reading forms an impressive foundation to this esoteric work, which will definitely appeal to those interested in Eastern philosophies and theoretical physics as well as to fans of Fritjof Capra's The Tao of Physics and Gary Zukav's works. Highly recommended for university libraries supporting philosophy, psychology, and theoretical physics curricula.-Dale Farris, Groves, TX Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

With impressively clear prose, Lehrer explores the oft-overlooked places in literary history where novelists, poets and the occasional cookbook writer predicted scientific breakthroughs with their artistic insights. The 25-year-old Columbia graduate draws from his diverse background in lab work, science writing and fine cuisine to explain how Cazanne anticipated breakthroughs in the understanding of human sight, how Walt Whitman intuited the biological basis of thoughts and, in the title essay, how Proust penetrated the mysteries of memory by immersing himself in childhood recollections. Lehrer's writing peaks in the essay about Auguste Escoffier, the chef who essentially invented modern French cooking. The author's obvious zeal for the subject of food preparation leads him into enjoyable discussions of the creation of MSG and the decidedly unappetizing history of 18th- and 19th-century culinary arts. Occasionally, the science prose risks becoming exceedingly dry (as in the enthusiastic section detailing the work of Lehrer's former employer, neuroscientist Kausik Si), but the hard science is usually tempered by Lehrer's deft way with anecdote and example. Most importantly, this collection comes close to exemplifying Lehrer's stated goal of creating a unified "third culture" in which science and literature can co-exist as peaceful, complementary equals. 21 b&w illus. (Nov.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

"Jonah Lehrer provides a fresh and unique look at eight of the artists who define modern culture." --Billy Collins, former poet laureate
"In this book, Jonah Lehrer shows us brilliantly that the process of cooking is more than chemistry." --Jacques Pepin
"In this intriguing reflection . . . both art and science are freshly conceived." --Howard Gardner
"Lehrer puts current neuroscience to a fine use -- ancestor worship -- and in the process gives us a delightful, thoughtful read." --Antonio Damasio, author of Descartes' Error
"Brilliantly illustrated . . . amazing . . . [Jonah Lehrer's] clear and vivid writing--incisive and thoughtful, yet sensitive and modest--is a special pleasure." --Oliver Sacks
"Writing with effortless brilliance and astonishing clarity, Jonah Lehrer gives us . . . a beautiful book: I was enthralled by it." --Robert D. Richardson, author of William James (winner of the Bancroft Prize) and Emerson
"Jonah Lehrer in Proust was a Neuroscientist, brilliantly, playfully, and precociously shows how artistic perception often anticipates scientific discovery." --Michael Collier
"This is a delightful little book . . . fun to read and thought provoking." --Joseph LeDoux, New York University, author of The Emotional Brain and Synaptic Self
"Comes close to exemplifying . . . a unified "third culture" in which science and literature can co-exist as peaceful, complementary equals." Publishers Weekly
"Pleasingly fluent . . . [introduces] art to scientists and science to artists. Solid science journalism with an essayist's flair." Kirkus Reviews
"Entertaining and enlightening." New York Magazine
"Precocious and engaging . . . Lehrer is smart, and there are some fun moments in these pages." --D. T. Max The New York Times Book Review
"His book marks the arrival of an important new thinker . . . wise and fresh." --Jesse Cohen The Los Angeles Times
"Lehrer writes skillfully an