The World of Ramon y Cajal. With Selections from his Nonscientific Writings

The authors modestly claim that their first objective is to present a personalized account of the origins of this great Spaniard. This is done by a brilliantly executed travelogue. We are intimately conducted from Cajal's birthplace by devious and sometimes hazardous routes (one can almost see the taxi-driver and his seedy Renault) through villages and countryside to Madrid and beyond-from harsh surroundings to the Nobel Prize and much more. It is indeed fortunate that the guide on this pilgrimage is one of Cajal's former pupils, who himself writes with feeling, and with the understanding of a distinguished scientist and author. No aspect of Cajal's career escapes attention and, in addition, we receive many an insight into the general history and ancient culture of Spain.