Phineas Gage - by John Fleischman (Paperback)

About the Book

An ALA Notable Children's Book and Best Book for Young Adults

Guggenheim Fellow John Fleischman separates fact from legend in this delightfully gruesome tale about Phineas Gage, the man with the hole in his skull.

Book Synopsis

Guggenheim Fellow John Fleischman separates fact from legend in this delightfully gruesome tale about Phineas Gage, the man with the hole in his skull.

In 1848, Phineas Gage was just a normal man in Cavendish, Vermont, working as a railroad construction foreman when a thirteen-pound iron rod shot through his brain. Defying all expectations, he went on to live another eleven years.

His miraculous recovery couldn't hide the fact that he was forever changed by the accident. The people around him agreed that the well liked and dependable Phineas Gage had turned into a crude and unpredictable man.

What happened to Phineas Gage's brain?

Complete with full-color photographs, a glossary, index, and a guide to resources, Phineas Gage will show you how your brain works through this fascinating case study as packed with neuroscience as it is shocking details.

Review Quotes

"Carefully separating fact from legend, Fleischman traces Gage's subsequent travels and subtle but profound personality changes." Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"Phineas Gage brings a scientific viewpoint to a topic that will be delightfully gruesome to many readers." School Library Journal

"The riveting topic will draw all kinds of readers, and they'll be fascinated even as they're educated." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Fleischman's bold, present-tense writing draws the reader into the story from the first sentence." Horn Book

"Fleischman is a fine science writer, and he has organized his book adroitly." Riverbank Review

"Science writer Fleischman uses a clipped, engaging expository style to tell this incredible story." Publishers Weekly