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An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
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An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain Hardback - 2004

by Diane Ackerman

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From the publisher

The most ambitious and enlightening work to date from the bestselling author of "A Natural History of the Senses, An Alchemy of Mind" combines an artist's eye with a scientist's erudition to illuminate, as never before, the magic and mysteries of the human mind.

Long treasured by literary readers for her uncommon ability to bridge the gap between art and science, celebrated scholar-artist Diane Ackerman returns with the book she was born to write. Her dazzling new work, "An Alchemy of Mind," offers an unprecedented exploration and celebration of the mental fantasia in which we spend our days -- and does for the human mind what the bestselling "A Natural History of the Senses" did for the physical senses.

Bringing a valuable female perspective to the topic, Diane Ackerman discusses the science of the brain as only she can: with gorgeous, immediate language and imagery that paint an unusually lucid and vibrant picture for the reader. And in addition to explaining memory, thought, emotion, dreams, and language acquisition, she reports on the latest discoveries in neuroscience and addresses controversial subjects like the effects of trauma and male versus female brains. In prose that is not simply accessible but also beautiful and electric, Ackerman distills the hard, objective truths of science in order to yield vivid, heavily anecdotal explanations about a range of existential questions regarding consciousness, human thought, memory, and the nature of identity.

First line

Imagine the brain, that shiny mound of being, that mouse-gray parliament of cells, that dream factory, that petit tyrant inside a ball of bone, that huddle of neurons calling all the plays, that little everywhere, that fickle pleasuredrome, that wrinkled wardrobe of selves stuffed into the skull like too many clothes into a gym bag.

Details

  • Title An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
  • Author Diane Ackerman
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 300
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Scribner Book Company, New York
  • Publication date May 25, 2004
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780743246729 / 0743246721
  • Weight 1 lbs (0.45 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.48 x 6.36 x 1.11 in (24.08 x 16.15 x 2.82 cm)
  • Category Science
  • Library of Congress subjects Brain, Neuropsychology
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2004041621
  • Dewey Decimal Code 612.82
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An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
Stock photo: cover may vary

An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Ackerman, Diane

  • Used
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Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
Stock photo: cover may vary

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Ackerman, Diane

  • Used
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Ackerman, Diane

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
1
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Better World Books
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Description:
Scribner. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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NZ$13.52
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
Stock photo: cover may vary

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Ackerman, Diane

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
NZ$13.52
Free Delivery to USA

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Description:
Scribner. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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Item price
NZ$13.52
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
Stock photo: cover may vary

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Ackerman, Diane

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Item price
NZ$13.52
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Scribner. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
NZ$13.52
Free Delivery to USA
An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain
Stock photo: cover may vary

An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Diane Ackerman

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
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Scribner, 2004. Hardcover. Very Good. Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Item price
NZ$14.09
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An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Diane Ackerman

  • Used
  • Good
  • Hardback
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
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ThriftBooks
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Item price
NZ$14.09
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Show details

Description:
Scribner, 2004. Hardcover. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Item price
NZ$14.09
Free Delivery to USA
An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Diane Ackerman

  • Used
  • Good
  • Hardback
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
4
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
NZ$14.09
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Scribner, 2004. Hardcover. Good. Disclaimer:Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
NZ$14.09
Free Delivery to USA
An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Diane Ackerman

  • Used
  • Good
  • Hardback
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
1
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
NZ$14.09
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Scribner, 2004. Hardcover. Good. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
NZ$14.09
Free Delivery to USA
An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

An Alchemy of Mind : The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain

by Diane Ackerman

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743246729 / 0743246721
Quantity available
1
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
NZ$14.13
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Scribner, 2004. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
NZ$14.13
Free Delivery to USA
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