The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a 1985 non-fiction book by neurologist Oliver Sacks that presents a series of case studies describing unusual neurological disorders experienced by his patients

. The book is named after one of the cases involving a man known as Dr. P, who suffers from visual agnosia—a condition that impairs his ability to recognize faces and objects. In one notable incident, Dr. P mistakes his wife's head for a hat, illustrating his severe perceptual difficulties

. The book is divided into four sections—Losses, Excesses, Transports, and The World of the Simple—each exploring different aspects of brain function and dysfunction

. It includes stories of patients with conditions ranging from Tourette syndrome and amnesia to autism and epilepsy, highlighting both their challenges and extraordinary abilities

. Despite their neurological impairments, many patients adapt in unique ways, demonstrating resilience and creativity

. Sacks combines clinical description with thoughtful commentary, discussing the neurological and psychological implications of these cases while emphasizing the humanity of his patients

. The book became a bestseller and inspired an opera by Michael Nyman, first performed in 1986

. In summary, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a seminal work that explores the complexities of the human brain through compelling patient stories, blending medical insight with empathy and narrative skill