Metaphors of Memory: A History of Ideas about the Mind

What is memory? It is at the same time ephemeral, unreliable and essential to everything we do. Without memory we lose our sense of identity, reasoning, even our ability to perform simple physical tasks. Yet it is also 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. Crossing continents and disciplines, it provides a compelling history of ideas about the mind by exploring the way these metaphors have been used - metaphors often derived from the techniques and instruments developed over the years to store information, ranging from wax tablets and books to photography, computers and even the hologram. Accessible and thought-provoking, this book should be read by anyone who is interested in memory and the mind.

• Unique history of the use of metaphors of memory and their origins • Charts the development of information systems over the ages from paper to computer • Interdisciplinary and engaging approach

Introduction; 1. The mystic writing-pad; 2. Memoria: memory as writing; 3. The splendour of the Bologna Stone; 4. A vast labyrinth; 5. A mirror with a memory; 6. Digital memory; 7. Holographic memory; 8. An enchanted loom; 9. The homunculus.

‘A fascinating survey of ideas on memory across the centuries, showing that suggestive metaphors have been essential stepping stones in our understanding of the mind. Highly recommended!’ Jean Aitchison (Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and Communication, University of Oxford)

‘A superb history … richly thought-provoking.’ Stephen Rose, Times Higher Education Supplement

‘An intellectually sophisticated book, rich in insight and detail.’ The Economist

‘Metaphors of Memory is 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.’ Amazon.com