Brainspotting: Adventures in Neurology

Brainspotting is the best kind of medical writing: part explorer story, part history, part Bildungsroman, in which the poet John Clare makes a cameo appearance alongside the pioneers of neurology. A.J. Lees writes with great humanity and precision about both the story of his discipline and the essential qualities of a doctor in this beautifully produced volume, the slightness of which belies the expansiveness of its scope.

‘A. J. Lees’s exquisitely produced Brainspotting is a gem… Alongside this genial recounting of his approach to his work, Lees offers sketches of neurologists by whom he was taught or who have influenced his thinking and recollections of institutions where he has worked… I loved this book. If ever I fall victim to a neurological disorder, I can only hope to God I come under the benign and intelligent care of Lees.’

'A subtle, brilliant and unputdownable appeal for the place of the human factor in the practise of neurology during the age of fMRI and Google... A remarkable book.'

‘A rare glimpse into a hidden world. The skills demanded by neurology overlap with other kinds of noticing and reasoning – which shows us the world afresh at the same time as educating us about neurology.’

‘A fascinating and riveting book. A. J. Lees is that rare phenomenon: a literary stylist of the first rank who combines a fine aesthetic sensibility with deep scientific knowledge. After reading this book, you will never feel the same about the words mind, body and soul.’

‘An exceptional compendium of marvellous phenomena that can captivate the imagination of students and neurologists to this day ... Lees’ writing style combines anatomical precision with ethereal poetry, which is reflected in his practice and teachings. The intersection between art and science possesses a remarkable transformative power.’