This is an excellent book on a complex topic, and I can think of no one better qualified than Hellige to cover as thoroughly and objectively as he has the many aspects of hemispheric asymmetry. All the important issues are dealt with, clearly exposed, and soundly analyzed...The book certainly provides an exhaustive and timely review of research in cerebral lateralization. -- Justine Sergent, McGill University This hook represents an excellent treatment and review of data and theories concerning the behavioral and anatomic asymmetries associated with the left and right cerebral hemispheres in both humans and nonhumans. It is especially timely given the dramatic increase in the scope of laterality issues that has occurred over the last decade the hook is seamless, in terms of both the breadth of the literature surveyed and his assessment of critical issues. -- Stephen Christman, University of Toledo

Is "right-brain" thought essentially creative, and "left-brain" strictly logical? Joseph B. Hellige argues that this view is far too simplistic. Surveying extensive data in the field of cognitive science, he disentangles scientific facts from popular assumptions about the brain's two hemispheres.

In Hemispheric Asymmetry, Hellige explains that the "right brain" and "left brain" are actually components of a much larger cognitive system encompassing cortical and subcortical structures, all of which interact to produce unity of thought and action. He further explores questions of whether hemispheric asymmetry is unique to humans, and how it might have evolved. This book is a valuable overview of hemispheric asymmetry and its evolutionary precedents.