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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

a revealing exploration of the mysteries of the human mind

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The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

Written by: Oliver Sacks
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Oliver Sacks
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About this listen

A classic work of psychology, this international bestseller provides a groundbreaking insight into the human mind. With an introduction by Will Self, read by Oliver Sacks.

If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self – himself – he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it.

In this extraordinary book, Dr. Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients struggling to adapt to often bizarre worlds of neurological disorder. Here are people who can no longer recognize everyday objects or those they love; who are stricken with violent tics or shout involuntary obscenities, and yet are gifted with uncanny artistic or mathematical talents. If inconceivably strange, these brilliant tales illuminate what it means to be human.

A provocative exploration of the mysteries of the human mind, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a million-copy bestseller by the twentieth century's greatest neurologist.

 Mental Health Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health

Critic Reviews

A gripping journey into the recesses of the human mind
Oliver Sacks has become the world's best-known neurologist. His case studies of broken minds offer brilliant insight into the mysteries of consciousness
Populated by a cast as strange as that of the most fantastic fiction . . . Dr Sacks shows the awesome powers of our mind and just how delicately balanced they have to be
Dr. Sacks's most absorbing book . . . His tales are so compelling [because] many of them serve as eerie metaphors not only for the condition of modern medicine but of modern man
This book is for everybody who has felt from time to time that certain twinge of self-identity and sensed how easily, at any moment, one might lose it
A decidedly original approach . . . In addition to possessing the technical skills of a twentieth-century doctor, [Sacks] sees the human condition like a philosopher-poet. The resultant mixture is insightful, compassionate and moving . . . he recounts these histories with the lucidity and power of a gifted short-story writer . . . a masterpiece of clinical writing
All stars
Most relevant
Dr. Oliver Sacks has brought neuropsychology to the common man, and the writing is easy to understand and full of feeling for his patients. Jonathan Davis is an amazing narrator, and captured the voices of patients so well! Must say, human brain and it's mysteries are yet to be solved, but what an extraordinary organ it is! A very interesting listen!

Human brain is extraordinary

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Humility I heard from Charlie Monger is knowing what you don't know. For the neurologist, to understand his limitations and to explore into the world of helpless patients and at times celebrate their victories with joy giving due credit to the efforts they muster and attempt to understand their struggles is what makes this collection of experiences a truly human journal of the inhumane world of the insane/mentally challenged.

The candid observations during casual interactions with his patients/clients left me wondering about how much he cared for them and to invite them to his home or spend personal time is just proof for his passion. This book gave me courage to tackle some of the mental challenges I have to deal with. The case of The Disembodied Lady was one of most the inspirational. It sure is proof for the valor a human is capable of in times of such personal adversity.

This is a wonderful book to listen to (imho) especially for someone who themselves or someone they know is dealing with mental health related issues and are looking for a ray of hope or a jolt to keep moving when there seems to be nothing left to give. This book was recommended by a psychologist to someone brilliant when she was fighting depression due to a break up. She recommends this book to me and it has been a wonderful read. God bless her for sharing so much with me 🙏

The curious,empathetic adventures of a neurologist

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