Harold L. Klawans (1937–1998)

Technically, this is a reread because I read this book years ago. More years than I care to remember. It was a life-changer then. One chapter referred to a condition I'd experienced. Another enabled the diagnosis of a rare condition from which my father-in-law was suffering. The rest were just plain fascinating.
I'd borrowed the book from the library, but was sufficiently impressed to have amazon track down an out of print copy for me.
It was this copy that I've just read again. This time I show more was prompted by a friend with mysterious symptoms. Would the answer lie in these amazing tales of Clinical Neurology? Sadly, no. I'll reread the sequel 'Newton's Madness' in hopes that some light may yet be shed. Meantime, I've revisited some wonderfully described case histories that are potential fodder for my writings, and even if not used have been just as interesting second time around. show less

Dr. Klawans has always been one of my favourite medical writers. He was a neurologist but related the stories of his patients with as much an eye to their personalities and lives as to their physical problems, much in the manner of Oliver Sacks. With a few exceptions I don't like reading or watching sports at all, and especially not ball-sports so I couldn't get through the book. I frankly didn't care enough about Michael Jordan wanting to play professional baseball but being unable to show more because of the wiring of the brain. I have admitted defeat, this is for a sports fan, not for me. show less

This is a collection of anecdotes told by a highly respected neurologist. There are quite a few big words and clinical terms, which I'm rusty at but used to - however I think they are well enough explained that it shouldn't stretch the casual reader - it is certainly aimed at the general public, not the neurology resident.

This could be a very depressing book - tales of neurological illness, death and the like. However, it's told in a very warm way, and whilst there are tragedies and deaths, show more there are many more success stories which make it quite a positive book to read overall. The warmth and the mixture of stories make it very accessible as well, and well worth a read. show less

Another re-read since I read this years ago. I remembered some of the case histories, but not all. They were all interesting to revisit. Klawans was a gifted diagnostician and he is obviously passionate about both his craft and his patients. Whether you have a neurological problem, or a family member with one, or are just an interested bystander, if you're interested in the brain and its functions, this will fascinate you.