Permanent Present Tense

By Suzanne Corkin,

Book cover of Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M.

Book description

In 1953, 27-year-old Henry Gustave Molaison underwent an experimental psychosurgical" procedure,a targeted lobotomy,in an effort to alleviate his debilitating epilepsy. The outcome was unexpected,when Henry awoke, he could no longer form new memories, and for the rest of his life would be trapped in the moment. But Henry's tragedy would…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Permanent Present Tense as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Corkin, a research psychologist, presents a fascinating case study of her patient, Henry Molaison, a man with no memory. Molaison—or H.M., as he was known in the scientific literature until his death in 2008—was a 27-year-old with severe epilepsy when he underwent radical brain surgery in 1953 to cure his intractable seizures.

Though Molaison’s seizures largely abated after the operation, he developed an even bigger problem, which manifested almost immediately after his surgery. Daily events vanished from his mind almost as soon as they had occurred.

Like most patients living with dementia, he could form no new long-term memories. With…

Want books like Permanent Present Tense?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Permanent Present Tense.

Browse books like Permanent Present Tense

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in amnesia, the history of science, and surgery?

Amnesia 55 books
Surgery 17 books