Memory from A to Z

In 1989 Dudai wrote what immediately became the classic textbook in the field. Now, resisting all cajoling to merely update it, he has attempted something far more ambitious: an encyclopaedia of concepts and models in memory research ... Each entry is informative, accessibly and often wittily presented ... And the result? A work of highly enjoyable scholarship. Students, used to more conventional textbooks and formal scientific dictionaries, may well be puzzled by it ... but they will discover a lot. That is, they will learn not merely from the entries themselves, but about what distinguishes really creative researchers, capable of both the tight focus that day to day research requires and of lifting their heads to survey the wider ranges of their chosen field. New Scientist The author of this themed set of short notes has his roots firmly planted in the microscopic aspects of memory, yet shows an enviable grasp of the big picture, crossing between levels of analysis with ease and grace. For his insights on subjects as diverse as Birdsong and Immediate early genes, he easily averages alpha double plus ... According to the author, the book aims to serve as a sort of idealised lexicon for his students, but it has much wider value as a map and compass for everyone who wishes to maintain his bearings in this increasingly complex field. Journal of Neurology, 250 This book is a delight ... it is a pleasure to be able to write a solidly enthusiastice review of this little A to Z. Why? Because, in practice, this little dictionary is a gem; it is an absolute pleasure to read. For one thing, the book is quite clearly lovingly compiled, with extensive use of figures, diagrams, and pictures, and this makes the content readily accessible, visually interesting, and entertaining. More important, though, is the overall tone, style and character of the book, which is a well-balanced combination of scientific seriousness and light-hearted irreverent humour ... All things considered, this is a book that you definitely should go out and buy your own copy of: don't leave it to your library to buy and bury. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, Section A, Vol 56A, No 7 Yadin Dudai has created a wonderfully engaging, unique and thoughtful collection of mini-essays on a wide range of memory and memory-related topics. Although the topics really do range from A-Z, the book is not a dictionary or encylopedia. It consists of novel, critical and up-to-date discussions of current as well as timeless conceptual and methodological issues in memory and memory research. This book is a "must read" (and must have handy) for all who are seriously interested in what is known and not known about the nature and neural bases of memory. James L. McGaugh, Director, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory; Research Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Dudai's Memory from A-Z reflects a depth of knowledge and wisdom surpassed only by his irrepressible humour. Never has learning the alphabet been so much fun. Richard Morris, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Edinburgh This is a good introduction to the various terms one must know when studying memory. This book would make an excellent supplement to any memory course. Doody's Journal

• Acquisition; Amnesia; Capacity; Coincidence detect; Collective memory; Confabulation; Consolidation; Cue; Engram; Enigma; Episodic memory; Experimental extinction; Flashbulb memory; Learning set; Map; Metamemory; Neurogenetics; Observational Learning; Palimpsest; Persistence; Priming; Reduction; Reinforcer; State-dependent learning; Surprise; Working memory.