The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination - Adam Zeman

The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination

(Author: Adam Zeman)

‘Fascinating, absorbing and educative’ — A. C. Grayling

‘Highly original and beautifully written’ — Dominic Lawson

Imagination is rarely just about artistic talent—it is the human brain’s default setting. We constantly rely on imagination as we daydream, reminisce, anticipate the future, read fiction, and plan our daily lives. The reality is that we inhabit the present moment far less than we think.

In The Shape of Things Unseen, leading neurologist Adam Zeman offers a groundbreaking exploration into the inner mechanics of the mind. Drawing on cutting-edge research in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and child development, Zeman reveals how the human brain evolved as an inherently creative organ built to generate and share imagined worlds.

From hallucinations, REM sleep, and sleepwalking to delusions, mind-reading, and the power of play, Zeman guides readers through the fascinating spectrum of human mental imagery. He investigates why people experience imagination so differently—from vivid hyperphantasia to aphantasia (the complete absence of sensory imagery)—and demonstrates how the brain behaves in remarkably similar ways whether we are observing, remembering, or simply imagining an object.

Dazzling, accessible, and deeply illuminating, The Shape of Things Unseen is an essential guide to understanding how we visualize, empathize, and make sense of the unseen world inside our heads.

Key Features:

• Groundbreaking Neuroscience: Written by pioneer neurologist Adam Zeman, who famously coined and researched the concept of aphantasia.

• Broad Exploration of Human Cognition: Covers a wide range of psychological phenomena including dreams, memory formation, hallucinations, and child development.

• Accessible Popular Science: Blends rigorous scientific research with engaging, readable prose suitable for general audiences and science enthusiasts alike.

• High-Appeal Non-Fiction: Perfect for readers of Oliver Sacks, Matthew Walker (Why We Sleep), David Eagleman, and V.S. Ramachandran.