The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: And Other Clinical Tales
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: And Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks presents case histories of people with neurological and perceptual disorders. The book pairs clinical topics with patient stories, though customer feedback suggests its readability and level of clinical detail may not suit everyone.
At a glance
- Case histories focus on neurological, perceptual, and intellectual disorders.
- The described cases include changes in memory, object and person recognition, and unusual artistic or mathematical abilities.
- The publisher describes the edition as a reissue with a new preface.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Uses individual patient stories to introduce a range of neurological disorders.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as conversational and often engaging, with humor and insight.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Vintage |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 14, 2021 |
| Edition | Reissue |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0593466675 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0593466674 |
| Weight listed | 2.31 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.18 x 0.68 x 8 inches |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback is mixed on readability and pacing. Some readers find the book difficult or occasionally tedious, and some consider its clinical emphasis too strong or the material dated.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in neurological disorders presented through patient case histories.
- Readers who enjoy narrative accounts of clinical experiences and unusual changes in perception or ability.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a current clinical reference or a consistently light, fast-paced read.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
62% 62% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback often describes the patient stories as engaging and informative, and the conversational tone, humor, and insights into neurological disorders appeal to many readers. Others find the presentation too clinical, difficult to read, or occasionally tedious, and some consider the material dated. These differing reactions matter if you want accessible narrative nonfiction rather than a clinical-leaning collection of case histories.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the patient stories as engaging and the writing as conversational, with humor and insight.
Negative themes
- Some readers consider the book too clinical or somewhat dated.
Mixed feedback
- Readability and pacing divide readers. Some find it easy to understand and well paced, while others find it tough or tedious.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It presents patient case histories involving neurological, perceptual, and intellectual disorders, including changes in memory, recognition, and abilities.
Is this edition a reissue?
The listing identifies it as a reissue and describes a new preface.
Is it an easy read?
Feedback is mixed. Some readers describe it as conversational and easy to follow, while others find it difficult or occasionally tedious.
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