Each chapter begins with a real-life case study, and he carefully explains the background, diagnosis and procedures carried out in order to treat each condition. Though this is fascinating, the magic of the book lies in the insight one has into the character of Henry Marsh. He is a humble man, who is super-skilled at manipulating the tools of micro-surgery, but he likens each day to a battle....and though he does his best to be the winner, he accepts that he is fallible. He is disarmingly honest regarding his own failings when faced with the complexities of brain surgery, and he shows the importance of dispassionate observation combined with compassion. Overall, his belief is that surgeons should always do the right thing for the patient, even if that means doing very little surgery.