Man Who Lost His Head

Blending neuroscience and ruminations on the creation and limits of reality, a remarkable investigation of disorders of the mind—and how we experience them.

In The Man Who Lost His Head, Douwe Draaisma explores some of the most bizarre and intriguing brain disorders throughout history. From patients who believe their loved ones have been replaced by doubles or who feel an arm stretched out sideways that was amputated years ago to those who insist they’re dead or have had their heads replaced, these cases reveal the mind’s complex way of imposing order amid chaos. Draaisma examines syndromes like Cotard’s and Capgras, where sufferers’ perceptions of self and reality are radically altered, linking delusions to specific brain circuits and cultural context. With engaging storytelling and sharp insights, he offers a captivating look at the human mind’s remarkable and often mysterious workings.