Moonwalking with Einstein
The Art and Science of Remembering Everything
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:2nd Feb '12
Should be back in stock very soon
This engaging book reveals how anyone can enhance their memory through ancient techniques and modern insights, as demonstrated by Joshua Foer's journey in Moonwalking with Einstein.
In Moonwalking with Einstein, Joshua Foer explores the fascinating world of memory and the techniques that can enhance it. Once an average individual prone to forgetting important details like phone numbers and misplaced keys, Foer embarks on a journey that transforms his understanding of memory. He learns about ancient mnemonic techniques, particularly the 'memory palace' method, which dates back to Simonides of Ceos. This technique, along with modern neuroscience insights, reveals the incredible potential of the human mind.
The narrative takes readers through Foer's personal experiences, culminating in his participation in the US Memory Championship, where he discovers just how powerful memory can be. He meets extraordinary individuals who possess remarkable memory feats, including one who can recall thousands of books and another who struggles with identity due to memory loss. Through these encounters, Moonwalking with Einstein illustrates not only the mechanics of memory but also its profound impact on our lives and identities.
Ultimately, Foer encourages readers to rethink their relationship with memory, emphasizing that, despite living in a technologically advanced era, memory remains a crucial aspect of our humanity. The book serves as both an informative guide and a motivational call to action, showing that anyone can improve their memory with the right techniques and mindset.
I'd never thought much about whether I could improve my memory, but I now think I could after reading Joshua Foer's book ... It's absolutely phenomenal, one of the most interesting books I've read this summer -- Bill Gates
A marvelous overview of one of the most essential aspects of what makes us human - our memory ... Witty and engaging -- Dan Ariely
Memory...makes us who we are...passionate and deeply engrossing ...The more we challenge ourselves, the greater our capacity. It's a fact that every teacher, parent and student would do well to learn. The lesson is unforgettable. * Washington Post *
Captivating ... Engaging ... Mr. Foer writes in these pages with fresh enthusiasm. His narrative is smart and funny -- Michiko Kakutani * New York Times *
[D]elightful...empathetic, thought-provoking and...memorable. -- Elizabeth Pisani * Prospect *
Riotous -- Alexandra Horowitz * New York Times *
[An] endearingly geeky world...witty and revelatory...[The] journey certainly demonstrates how much memory matters...Apart from anything else, filling up our mental storehouses in the right way can make life feel longer. -- Oliver Burkeman * Guardian *
In this marvelous book, Joshua Foer invents a new genre of non-fiction. This is a work of science journalism wrapped around an adventure story, a bildungsroman fused to a vivid investigation of human memory. If you want to understand how we remember, and how we can all learn to remember better, then read this book -- Jonah Lehrer
One year, Joshua Foer is covering the US Memory Championships as a freelance journalist, the next he returns as a competitor - and wins it...How he pulled off this extraordinary feat forms the spine of this crisply entertaining book. -- Matt Rudd * Sunday Times *
Combines erudite analysis, historical context, a mind-bending adventure and extremely suggestive sex - some of it involving Foer's grandmother. -- Tony Allen-Mills * Sunday Times *
- Short-listed for Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books 2012
ISBN: 9780141032139
Dimensions: 197mm x 29mm x 18mm
Weight: 236g
320 pages