“[A] shimmering new book . . . This is the place to look to learn about our best scientific understanding of what it means to be human.” —Steven Pinker, New York Times bestselling author of The Language Instinct and How the Mind Works

“A cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara (and one of the inventors of the field), takes us on a lively tour through the latest research on brain evolution.” —The New York Times Book Review

What happened along the evolutionary trail that made humans so unique? In his accessible style, Michael Gazzaniga pinpoints the change that made us thinking, sentient humans different from our predecessors. He explores what makes human brains special, the importance of language and art in defining the human condition, the nature of human consciousness, and even artificial intelligence.

“As wide-ranging as it is deep, and as entertaining as it is informative . . . will please a diverse array of readers.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A rich testimony to the incredible accomplishments of the human brain in coming to understand itself.” —New York Sun

“Truly engaging.” —CNBC.com

“A savvy, witty guide to neuroscience today.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Brilliantly written and utterly fascinating.” —Robert Bazell, Chief Science Correspondent, NBC News

“Sweeping, erudite and humorous . . . If you are looking for one book that gives you a Cook’s Tour of the human brain, where it came from and where it is heading, this would be an excellent choice.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette