Phineas Gage

© John Fleischman

Module 12: Phineas Gage by John Fleischman

Summary

It was 1848, Phineas Gage was 25 years old when a 13 inch iron rod blew through the front part of his head, and brain – he survived. This is the story not necessarily of Phineas Gage, but of the miracle of his survival and what implications they had on the medical world thereafter. Despite little knowledge of the brain in the mid 19th century Gage managed to survive 11 years after his accident though his personality had fundamentally changed. His case is to this day one of the most important cases in what we know about the brain and the frontal lobe.

Impression

I had heard of this book for years and after taking osteology during my time as an undergrad I absolutely had to read this for class. Fleischman does a fantastic job explaining the important parts of the brain and the implications of where the rod went through Gage’s brain. He explains the story very factually while still emphasizing the importance of his survival. He includes some of the more extraordinary details of Gage’s experience, such as him sitting up and explaining to the doctor what had just happened to him immediately after the accident. Fleischman does a fantastic job fleshing out an already interesting story.

Reviews

“The book’s present-tense narrative is inviting and intimate, and the text is crisp and lucid, combining the personal and the theoretical to dramatic effect and avoiding condescension both to readers and to the unfortunate Gage.”

– Deborah Stevenson

“This event is the takeoff point for a basic introduction to the human brain and its functionings. A side foray into phrenology is useful in illuminating the history of beliefs about the brain and will help students understand pseudosciences.”

– Edna Boardman

Library Use

This would be a great book to recommend to any kids with an interest in medicine, bones, or psychology. It would also be a good book to recommend to kids who like “gross” stories.

Referenes

Boardman, E. (2002). Review of Phineas Gage. Book Report 21(3), 66. Retrieved from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/

Fleischman, J. (2004). Phineas Gage. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Stevenson, D. (2002). Review of Phineas Gage. Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 55(9), 321-322. Retrieved from http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/.