Metaphors of Memory: A History of Ideas about the Mind

"...a tremendously valuable addition for psychologists and other scientists interested in the history of human thought about memory. In fact, it should be considered required reading for students of human memory." Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books

"...fascinating, informative, accessible and highly recommended to students of psychology and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the nature of memory and its relationship to the human mind." Wisconsin Bookwatch

"...this is an intellectually sophisticated book, rich in insight and detail." The Economist

"...clear, measured prose and a well-paced narrative flow...Draaisma constructs an elegant serie of arguments concerning the wider social and philosophical imperatives driving scientists and thinkers to view the mind in certain lights....Together Douwe Draaisma and Cambridge University Press have produced a book of high quality. Extensively referenced and illustrated, impeccably rendered from Dutch to English and fully indexed, this work transcends what could be the narrow discipline of the history of psychology...I should point out that it is simply a good book to read!" Leonardo Reviews

"A finely illustrated 'history of ideas about the mind' ...What it does superbly well, but not explicitly, is to tell us why this topic is important to the philosophy of mind and consciousness." The Midwest Book Review

"The book provides needed historical context to many of the current debates within the field of cognitive psychology. The volume wil be of particular interest to students and instructors of cognitive psychology and history of psychology looking for readable supplements." Choice

What is memory? Without memory we lose our sense of identity, reasoning, even our ability to perform simple physical tasks. Yet it is elusive and difficult to define, and throughout the ages philosophers and psychologists have used metaphors as a way of understanding it. This fascinating book takes the reader on a guided tour of these metaphors of memory from ancient times to the present day, exploring the way metaphors often derived from the techniques and instruments developed to store information such as wax tablets, books, photography, and even computers.