Pierre Paul Broca is one of the most legendary neuroscientists of the last few centuries. His name graces a region of the brain, and his work is richly associated with human communication and its disorders. This article traces the contributions of this man and the historical context of his remarkable discoveries. After approval to visit and access material in the Paris museums that house the still-preserved brains of Broca's two most famous patients as well as cabinets of Broca's work and records, the author interlaces this portrait of the man, the historical context of his early education and research, and the relevance of his insight into contemporary understanding of the brain and human communication.