Wednesday 23 January 2013

The Art of Memory by Frances A. Yates Book Review

Available at
amazon.co.uk | amazon.com

Most memory books deal with the 'how to improve' aspect. And if not that, then the 'science' behind memory. As a result, most memory books appear as fly by night acts, bursting on the scene with the same information as everyone else, then fading quickly into out or print status.

Frances A. Yates book, "The Art of Memory" has become a classic, and remained in print because it deals with the history of the use of memory.

With a title shared with Marius D'Assigny and his 1699 public speaking classic. This was never going to read like a thriller. And at times it does plod along. But it demonstrates that the simplest of memory techniques has aided people that we now look back on as geniuses.

  • Artistotle
  • Simonides Melicus
  • Augustine
  • Dante
  • Giulio Camillo
  • Giordano Bruno
  • Robert Fludd

The underpinning technique gloriously presented as the Memory Theatre - a formal peg system.

And the book explores the relationship between this technique and the study of philosophy, magic, theatre, and ultimately into Science.

A wonderful book that deserves savouring and long may it remain in print.

Available at:
amazon.co.uk | amazon.com

Related Links:

No comments:

Post a Comment