Another Very Short Introduction published by Oxford, The Brain describes in more than enough detail to satisfy any college course the functions, mechanisms and probable evolutionary development of the brain. It does not go into molecular descriptions, but stops at statements like "potassium ion gate." Also, the text identifies want isn't known; such as the purpose of the glial cells that surround neurons.



The text is straightforward and clear; although the topic is nearly overwhelming. The first major item that surprised me was that the neurons of the brain are basically the same for all species. Humans just have a whole bunch of them, given the size of the human body.



In short, this book delivers its title. 'nuff said.