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.

His book marks the arrival of an important new thinker, who finds in the science and the arts wonder and beauty, and with equal confidence says wise and fresh things about both.