Brain, Mind, and the Narrative Imagination

Brain, Mind, and the Narrative Imagination explores how literature taps into deep structures of memory and emotion that lie at the heart of our humanity, using new insights from neuroscience. It is of interest to readers of all sorts and students from both the humanities and the sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Stories have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from love and anger to fear and nostalgia. But what happens in our brains when we experience these emotions? And how do our minds create the worlds and characters that we read about on the page? Recent advances in neuroscience have shed new light on these questions, and this book explores the latest scientific insights into the relationship between literature and the brain.

The book is written by an experienced neuroscientist and literary critic, and it introduces key concepts in neuroscience to non-specialists. It then examines a range of literary texts, including works by Ian McEwan, Jim Crace, and E.L. Doctorow, in light of the latest scientific thought on the workings of the mind and brain.

One of the key concepts explored in the book is the brain's ability to create narratives. The brain is capable of creating complex stories and characters that are deeply embedded in our memories and emotions. This ability is essential for our ability to understand and connect with the world around us.

The book also explores the role of memory in literature. Memory is a crucial component of the narrative imagination, and it plays a vital role in our ability to remember and interpret the stories that we read. The book examines the different types of memory and how they are used in literature, including episodic memory, semantic memory, and working memory.

In addition to exploring the brain's ability to create narratives and the role of memory in literature, the book also examines the impact of literature on our mental health. Literature has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The book explores the different ways in which literature can affect our mental health and how we can use it to improve our well-being.

The book is written in a clear and accessible style, and it includes a range of illustrations and examples to help illustrate the key concepts. It is suitable for readers of all sorts and students from both the humanities and the sciences.

In conclusion, Stories have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, and recent advances in neuroscience have shed new light on how our brains engage with literature. This book explores the latest scientific insights into the relationship between literature and the brain, and it is suitable for readers of all sorts and students from both the humanities and the sciences. By understanding the brain's ability to create narratives and the role of memory in literature, we can better appreciate the power of stories to inspire, entertain, and educate us.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350127791