Gary Marcus studies evolution, language, and cognitive development at New York University, where he is professor of psychology and director of the NYU Center for Child Language. Marcus received his Ph.D. from MIT at the age of 23, and has since written numerous scientific articles in the leading scientific journals, as well three books about the origins and development of mind and brain, including, most recently, Kluge: The Haphazard Evolution of The Human Mind, which was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.

His next book, Guitar Zero: An Inside Look at the Science of Becoming Musical, will be published by The Penguin Press in January, 2012.