Prof Parker, in launching Your Brain in Sickness and in Health made the following remarks:
“The book is exceptional, somewhat so in content, but more in structure and style. As you’ve heard, he aims to describe and explore some of the behaviours and experiences associated with abnormal brain function. He describes broad territories such as dementia and narrow and intriguing topics such as ‘common sense’ and ‘abulia’.
In terms of formal content the book is scholarly and informative. In terms of style, Sid’s attributes shine through. As reviewed this week by the Editor of the NSW College Branch’s newsletter – who notes that he had never met Sid – “Dr Williams brings a humane and caring attitude to his dealings with his patients.” He also noted that Sid takes a topic that is potentially dry and heavy [and makes it] very readable. He, I and those of you have read it will note an exceptional structural nuance to the book – with there being more than 150 pages of notes. As in the book but even more so in this section Sid is Sid, his learning shines through together with his empathic observations and his dry wit.
Years back I thought that Psychiatry needed a book that captured both distinctive academic knowledge (as well illustrated by Oliver Sachs writings) and the humane world of psychiatry (akin to how James Herriot captured veterinary science). In this book Sid has done just that, an achievement that is quite exceptional.”