Big claims, well made: it is a rare pleasure to pick up such a rigorous and readable book about scientific advance that is so firmly anchored in philosophical history

Virtually all the interesting philosophy today is done, not by professional philosophers, but by scientists like Damasio... The map may be incomplete, but thanks to Damasio we do at least know the principal landmarks

Damasio's book interweaves lucid and fascinating explanations of neurological findings with historical and philosophical ruminations on Spinoza... Rich and informative

There is much in this book to please Damasio's fans. He is a lively and humane writer, and ranges easily across a wide variety of topics

What an elegant exposition lies here: not for everyone, to be sure, but for those familiar with astronomer Barrow's rich background in mathematics and in the history and philosophy of science, a treasure of learning and insight

Lucid, accessible and engaging

A dazzlingly informed book... I can promise you'll be amazed

Rose has a subtle mind, a prose style of great clarity and a civilised and compassionate approach to what neuroscience tells us about human nature