A number of titles from Oxford's short introduction series already occupy my bookshelf. One of the series' attractions is that it makes academic material easily accessible. The latest addition by Foster addresses memory and does not deviate from the formula.
Foster successfully conveys the past and present understanding of the inner workings and structure of our memory. He presents interesting challenges to test ones memory; I was surprised that I could not remember specific details of objects I handle daily, such as coins. Through invoking such reactions, deficiencies in our memory are convincingly highlighted.
His use of apt vignettes throughout is engaging and of interest from a clinician's perspective. The case is told of Donald Thompson. He was accused of rape; however, he was participating in a televised debate at the supposed time of the rape. He was obviously innocent. The rape was committed while the afore-mentioned debate was coincidently showing on the victim's television at the time and the false accusation was actually due to the phenomenon of ‘source amnesia’.
There are excellent summaries on scientific studies from the viewpoints of their proponents and opponents. The apparent ease with which these can be understood is a testament to the author's skill. At times, however, my own memory seemed to fail. With the introduction of many similar sounding terms, on occasion I had to refer to their original descriptions. Perhaps a glossary would have helped in this regard.
This book does not pretend to be a text on memory that would be of use to psychiatrists. However, it presents material that is of universal relevance and provides insight into an important topic. It offers plentiful direction to further resources and has a practical, useful section on improving memory. Memory will be a welcome addition to my collection of short introductions.
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