RAYMOND TALLIS, F. Med. Sci., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.A., is one of the world’s leading polymaths. He is a philosopher, poet, novelist, cultural critic and a retired medical physician and clinical neuroscientist. Specializing in geriatrics, Tallis served on several UK commissions on medical care of the aged and was an editor or major contributor to two key textbooks in the field, The Clinical Neurology of Old Age and Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. His philosophical work includes titles such as Unthinkable Thought: The enduring significance of Parmenides (2008); The Kingdom of Infinite Space: A Fantastical Journey around Your Head (2008); Michelangelo's Finger: An Exploration of Everyday Transcendence (2010); Aping Mankind: Neuromania, Darwinitis and the Misrepresentation of Humanity (2011); and In Defence of Wonder and Other Philosophical Reflections (2012).