Illusions are one of the great mysteries of the human mind: Why and how do we see, smell, hear, feel, or taste something that does not exist? Why and how are the circuits of vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell activated in the wonderfully magnificent yet "stubborn" operating system of humans, the mind? In the 15 chapters of this truly astonishing and "multisensory" book, Oliver Sacks examines the phenomenon of illusions in all its aspects with direct, crystalline language.

What is their organic basis? What diseases, what conditions, what data cause them? Are those who experience illusions paranoid, or is it perhaps one of the normal phenomena of the human condition—albeit one we are ashamed to admit? However, the great scientist and author does not stop here.

Combining touching stories and patient narratives, revealing confessions of personal experiences, impressive scientific data, and exciting references to literature, philosophy, and music, he goes many steps further: As a true creator, he formulates conclusions and disruptive reflections that are almost heretical regarding the essence of art, religion, and even reality itself and our relationship with it.

However, in this highly impressive book, there is something that is not an illusion, something that is 100% real, tangible, on every page, in every paragraph. Sacks' compassion for every imperfection of humanity, whether organic or psychological, permanent or transient, shines through. And his unyielding faith in the greatness of the gift of life, especially when the living organism confronts the limitations of existence—such as those presented by illusions.

BIOGRAPHY: Oliver Sacks was born in 1933 in London and died in 2015 in New York, where he had lived since 1965. He studied neurology at Queen's College, Oxford, and was a clinical professor of neurology at NYU School of Medicine and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He received many significant international awards for his scientific work.