Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934) was one of the greatest Spanish scientists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His study of the brain and nerve cells laid the groundwork for neuroscience. He was not a man who kept his studies to one specific field, but rather made lasting important contributions to several fields. He was not a man who went unnoticed, but he was highly regarded not only for his laboratory work, but also for his scientific writings and illustrations.

             As well as being a great scientist Cajal was also an excellent writer. The personal anecdotes he gives in his autobiography are what make it so great. Cajal tells his life story in a way that holds the reader's attention through all of his accomplishments. Cajal's early life, before he left his mark in the scientific world, is so personal and so interesting that it is what makes this book so truly great to read.

             Cajal was not always interested in science. He underwent many changes in his early life that led him down the path that eventually made him a Noble Prize winner. He came from a modest background. His father was a modest surgeon in a very small village in the Spanish countryside. Cajal owes his excellent work ethic to his father who impressed upon him the idea of hard work leading to success. Cajal came from a poor background and worked hard like his father, to succeed in life.

             Justo Ramon Cajal, Santiago's father, started his career as only a second-class surgeon. He started his family and continued to work, harder than ever, in order to get money for higher education. Through hard work and perseverance, two qualities that Santiago would pick up later in life, Justo Cajal finally reached his goal of becoming a full surgeon when his son was six years old. .

             Santiago Ramon y Cajal was not always as hard working as his father. Early in his life, he ignored his studies for many other pursuits. Cajal was an avid artist and excellent with watercolors as a child.