Dark and Magical Places There exists a realm concealed within our world, a realm where darkness and magic intertwine. These mysterious places invoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, drawing us into their ethereal embrace. One such place is the enchanted forest, shrouded in an enigmatic haze. As the sun's rays struggle to penetrate the dense canopy above, dancing shadows create an eerie, yet captivating, atmosphere. The towering trees, draped in age-old moss, seem to whisper secrets to those who dare to venture closer. With each step, one can almost hear the faint whispers of mythical creatures that inhabit this spectral land.
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
It is designed to be accessible to a large audience Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book. It s like we never learn how our implicit sexism impacts not only abilities in the two sexes no mention of the spectrum in the book , but also our ability to interpret those results.
With each step, one can almost hear the faint whispers of mythical creatures that inhabit this spectral land. Travel further, and you may stumble upon a hidden cave, known only to a select few. Within this dimly lit sanctuary, ancient symbols and drawings adorn the rugged walls, telling tales of forgotten civilizations.
Dark and Magical Places: The Neuroscience of Navigation (Paperback)
How the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.
Inside our heads we carry around an infinite and endlessly unfolding map of the world. Navigation is one of the most ancient neural abilities we have—older than language. In Dark and Magical Places, Christopher Kemp embarks on a journey to discover the remarkable extent of what our minds can do.
Fueled by his own spatial shortcomings, Kemp describes the brain regions that orient us in space and the specialized neurons that do it. Place cells. Grid cells. He examines how the brain plans routes, recognizes landmarks, and makes sure we leave a room through a door instead of trying to leave through a painting. From the secrets of supernavigators like the indigenous hunters of the Bolivian rainforest to the confusing environments inhabited by people with place blindness, Kemp charts the myriad ways in which we find our way and explains the cutting-edge neuroscience behind them.
How did Neanderthals navigate? Why do even seasoned hikers stray from the trail? What spatial skills do we inherit from our parents? How can smartphones and our reliance on GPS devices impact our brains? In engaging, engrossing language, Kemp unravels the mysteries of navigating and links the brain’s complex functions to the effects that diseases like Alzheimer’s, types of amnesia, and traumatic brain injuries have on our perception of the world around us.
A book for anyone who has ever felt compelled to venture off the beaten path, Dark and Magical Places is a stirring reminder of the beauty in losing yourself to your surroundings. And the beauty in understanding how our brains can guide us home.
About the Author
Christopher Kemp is a molecular biologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases at Michigan State University. He lives with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Praise For…
Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers. For all his navigational shortcomings, Kemp is an expert guide to the most complex landscape of all: the human brain. He’s a natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer.
— Mary Roach, author of Fuzz
Christopher Kemp’s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Like the brain itself, Kemp’s wild writing quakes and sparks, uncovering the lyric lurking in the neuroscientific, the hilarious in the incantatory.
— Matthew Gavin Frank, author of Flight of the Diamond Smugglers
A dazzling—at times dizzying—exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they give one another meaning.
— Robert Moor, author of On Trails
A fascinating and sneakily amusing book. Kemp is an elegant and quick-witted writer who, feeling perpetually and hopelessly lost himself, is perfectly qualified to lead us through some of the most complicated and discombobulating corners of human cognition.
— John Mooallem, author of Wild Ones and This Is Chance!
A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where.
— David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired
As both scientist and scribe, Kemp brings his gifts of curiosity and intelligence to bear on the topic of navigation and shows us that there is no shame in being lost. On the contrary, Kemp demonstrates that to be continuously and authentically in search of our place on Earth is a wondrous thing.
— M. R. O’Connor, author of Wayfinding
Finding our way is a basic necessity of life, yet it is mostly taken for granted. Kemp effectively explains just how complex and astonishing that task really is.
— Tony Miksanek - Booklist
An intense lesson in the neuroscience of getting around.
— Kirkus
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
Kemp debunks numerous myths, including the idea that females possess poorer navigational skills than males, and reflects on the difference between the navigational abilities of modern humans versus those of Neanderthals. What separates the two, he suggests, is the use of the subjunctive form, which led to humans being better at navigating. Kemp peppers in accounts of his own poor navigational abilities and colorful stories of people getting lost, which keep things moving along. The result is both enjoyable and accessible.
— Publishers Weekly
- Science / Life Sciences / Neuroscience
- Medical / Neuroscience
- Science / Life Sciences / Molecular Biology
- Transportation / Navigation
- Hardcover (January 25th, 2022): $26.95
- Compact Disc (January 25th, 2022): $41.99
How the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.
The air is thick with a sense of ancient wisdom, as if the very stones hold the secrets of generations past. In this darkness, one can almost see glimpses of forgotten times and realms long gone. For the brave at heart, a visit to the graveyard under a pale moonlight holds a surreal charm. As the mist swirls around the tombstones and mausoleums, spirits seemingly awaken from their slumber, eager to share their stories. This place, often feared and misunderstood, allows for a profound connection to the cycle of life and death. It reminds us of the fragility of our existence and the inexplicable power of the unknown. Beneath the ocean's surface, another dark and magical world lies hidden from view. As one descends into the depths, bioluminescent creatures illuminate the murky waters with their ethereal glow. Coral reefs transform into mystical gardens, their vibrant colors offering a stark contrast to the shadows that dance above. Here, one can witness the intricate dance of marine life, an extraordinary display of nature's artistry. These dark and magical places serve as a gateway to a realm that defies explanation. They evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us that there is more to this world than what meets the eye. It is in these enigmatic spaces that we are reminded of the ever-present mysteries that surround us, offering a glimpse into the hidden depths of our imagination..
Reviews for "Timeless Charm: Exploring Dark and Magical Places Full of History"
1. Alex - ★☆☆☆☆
I didn't enjoy "Dark and magical places" at all. The story was confusing and disjointed, making it hard for me to follow along. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, which made it difficult for me to connect with them on any level. The plot seemed forced and contrived, and the ending was unsatisfying. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
"Dark and magical places" had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The concept was intriguing, but poorly executed. The writing style was overly descriptive and verbose, making the pacing slow and uninteresting. The world-building lacked clarity and left me with more questions than answers. The characters felt underdeveloped, and their motivations were unclear. While there were some moments of intrigue, the overall experience left me feeling unsatisfied.
3. Josh - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Dark and magical places," but it failed to captivate me. The story had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow parts dragging on and fast-paced moments feeling rushed. The magical elements were poorly explained, leaving me confused and frustrated. The characters lacked depth and felt like cliched archetypes. While there were some interesting ideas sprinkled throughout, they were overshadowed by the book's overall lackluster delivery.
4. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Dark and magical places" to be a tedious read. The writing was convoluted and overwrought, making it hard for me to stay engaged. The plot lacked cohesiveness, and the story seemed to meander aimlessly without a clear direction. The characters were forgettable and lacked any compelling qualities. The world-building was shallow, leaving me with an incomplete understanding of the magical aspects. Overall, this book was a disappointment and didn't live up to its potential.