The Working Brain: An Introduction to Neuropsychology

This book is a really great introduction to the functional systems of the brain. It also goes into the results of lesions on the different parts. Although written in 1973 it is still relevant today.

If you have read other books by Luria you will find quite a bit of redundancy in The Working Brain but also more attention to the overall structure of cognition. Luria's attempt to show how cognitive systems work together is probably the book's greatest strength. Its weaknesses are, as mentioned above, the redundancy, even within the book itself, and its almost perfunctory tone; very frequently (nearly every page) Luria sketches some concept then refers the reader to some other publication for details or examples. As a result, the text is rather halting and may require some tenacity on the part of the reader. But on the whole it is worth the effort, especially for the student who is relatively new to the cognitive sciences.

The Working Brain is exellent reading for anyone studying neuroscience. It explains the actual mechanics of the brain and how it procceses stimuli. Not only the external, but also the internal enviorments as well.It provides clear and concise diagrams on what area of the brain does what.It has been a world of help to me!Thank you,Dale Dejnowski

This book is a classic. It is a must read for all neuropsychologists and neuroscientists. Luria clearly and effectively presents all the basic concepts of neuropsychology ranging from the general physiology of the reticular formation to the fundamental functional aspects of the language zones (e.g., Broca's area).