Dark and magical places have always held a certain allure and fascination for humans throughout history. These enigmatic locations are often shrouded in mystery and tales of wonder, making them a subject of endless exploration and imagination. One such place that captivates the human psyche is the infamous Dark Forest. This thick canopy of towering trees holds an air of secrecy and danger. It is said that within the depths of the Dark Forest, mystical creatures and spirits dwell, capable of granting unimaginable powers or causing great harm. Legends warn of lost souls being trapped in the forest, forever wandering its shadowy pathways.
Legends warn of lost souls being trapped in the forest, forever wandering its shadowy pathways. The aura of the Dark Forest has inspired countless stories and folklore, fueling our desire to venture into the unknown and uncover its secrets. Another dark and magical place that has piqued our curiosity since ancient times is the haunted castle.
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 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.
These grand structures, often abandoned or in ruins, hold echoes of the past and the whispers of restless spirits. The ghostly tales associated with haunted castles add an eerie charm to these majestic landmarks. From apparitions wandering the halls to mysterious sounds and unexplained phenomena, these haunted castles leave us both fascinated and fearful. Some believe that within these spectral walls, remnants of the past merge with the present, making these castles the perfect setting for supernatural encounters. Magical caves also hold a special allure for those seeking adventure and mystery. These hidden chambers deep within the earth are believed to be portals to other realms or dimensions. From ancient rituals performed by our ancestors to the fantastical worlds depicted in literature and films, caves have long been associated with magical and spiritual significance. The ethereal beauty found within these underground sanctuaries, with their glittering stalactites and stalagmites, adds to the enchantment that surrounds them. Finally, we cannot talk about dark and magical places without mentioning the night sky. The vast expanse of the cosmos has fascinated humans since time immemorial. Countless civilizations have looked up at the stars and woven tales of gods and celestial beings amidst the constellations. The night sky acts as a canvas upon which we project our dreams, aspirations, and fears. The twinkling stars and silent dance of the planets offer solace and escape, transporting us to a realm beyond our earthly limitations. In conclusion, dark and magical places continue to capture our imagination and evoke a sense of wonder within us. From the eerie depths of the Dark Forest to the haunting beauty of abandoned castles, and the mystical allure of caves and the night sky, these locations remind us of the vastness and mystery of the world we inhabit. They invite us to embrace our curiosity and embark on a journey to discover the enchantment that lies hidden within the shadows..
Reviews for "The Hidden Gems of Haunted Cities"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Dark and Magical Places". The title was very promising, but the book didn't deliver what it promised. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were underdeveloped. The author had a great opportunity to explore the dark and magical elements in depth, but everything felt rushed and superficial. Overall, it lacked depth and originality.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I couldn't even finish "Dark and Magical Places". The writing style was incredibly dull, and it failed to engage my interest. The pacing was slow, and the story just dragged on. There were too many unnecessary descriptions and not enough action or suspense. I found myself losing interest in the characters, as they were one-dimensional and lacked any depth. The book was a total bore.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - The concept of "Dark and Magical Places" sounded intriguing, but the execution fell short. The world-building was minimal, and I couldn't fully immerse myself in the story. The author seemed to rely on clichés and tropes, which made the plot predictable and unoriginal. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I expected a more immersive and captivating read, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.