Research Catalog

Forgetting : myths, perils and compensations

Title
Forgetting : myths, perils and compensations / Douwe Draaisma ; translated by Liz Waters.
Author
Draaisma, D.
Publication
New Haven [Connecticut] : London : Yale University Press, [2015]

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TextUse in library JFD 15-4098Schwarzman Building - Main Reading Room 315

Details

Description
276 pages : illustrations; 23 cm
Summary
"In his highly praised book The Nostalgia Factory, renowned memory scholar Douwe Draaisma explored the puzzling logic of memory in later life with humor and deep insight. In this compelling new book he turns to the "miracle" of forgetting. Far from being a defect that may indicate Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, Draaisma claims, forgetting is one of memory's crucial capacities. In fact, forgetting is essential. Weaving together an engaging array of literary, historical, and scientific sources, the author considers forgetting from every angle. He pierces false cliches and asks important questions: Is a forgotten memory lost forever? What makes a colleague remember an idea but forget that it was yours? Draaisma explores "first memories" of young children, how experiences are translated into memory, the controversies over repression and "recovered" memories, and weird examples of memory dysfunction. He movingly examines the impact on personal memories when a hidden truth comes to light. In a persuasive conclusion the author advocates the undervalued practice of "the art of forgetting"--a set of techniques that assist in erasing memories, thereby preserving valuable relationships and encouraging personal contentment"--
Subjects
Note
  • Originally published in Dutch as Vergeetboek.
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
Forgetting: an introduction -- First memories: islands in the stream of forgetting -- Why we forget dreams -- In memory of Henry M. -- The man who forgot faces -- A slope, followed by an abyss -- Your colleague has a brilliant idea -- yours -- The Galileo of neurology -- On repression -- The myth of total recall -- The memory of the Esterházys -- The mirror that never forgets -- The second death -- The art of forgetting -- Questions about forgetting.
Call Number
JFD 15-4098
ISBN
  • 9780300207286 (hardback)
  • 030020728X (hardback)
LCCN
2014045931
OCLC
897632474
Author
Draaisma, D., author.
Title
Forgetting : myths, perils and compensations / Douwe Draaisma ; translated by Liz Waters.
Publisher
New Haven [Connecticut] : London : Yale University Press, [2015]
Type of Content
text
Type of Medium
unmediated
Type of Carrier
volume
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Research Call Number
JFD 15-4098
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