Learn to Remember (Paperback)

~ (Author), Dominic O'Brian (Author) "We may regard memory as one of humankind's oldest arts..." (more)
Key Phrases: journey method, memory techniques, memory training, Mind Map, Charlie Chaplin, Anne Boleyn (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Can't remember the name of that enchanting person you met ... yesterday? Struggling to recall where you were supposed to meet your friend for dinner? Help is here. The latest title in our best-selling self-help series, Learn to Remember is a beautifully illustrated and expertly written guide to enhancing and improving the memory. By targeting key brain functions, Learn to Remember leads readers through the memory maze. It begins with a detailed, easy-to-understand explanation of how memory works covering long-term, short-term, and suppressed memory, as well as storage, retention, and recollection. By following various tried-and-tested methods and the step-by-step exercises, readers can train their memories to be more effective-expanding range and improving accuracy and efficiency. Filled with expert advice and more than 100 colorful illustrations, Learn to Remember offers inspiration and serious recall improvement. Write this one down!

About the Author

Dominic O' Brien is renowned for his phenomenal feats of memory and holds a host of world records. He has won the World Memory Championships six times and was named Grand-master of Memory by the Brain Trust of Great Britain. His previous publications inlcude How to Develop a Perfect Memory and the audiocassete course, Super Memory Power.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1St Edition edition (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811827151
• ISBN-13: 978-0811827157
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #663,132 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This item is part of The Learn to... Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most complete book on memory - ever, April 27, 2003

By	F. Haidacher (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book along with six other memory and fast-reading books. This one stands out because it is extremely well organized. Each chapter is divided into sections that are typically two pages long. In most cases, each section has a sidebar or one complete page dedicated to either an exercise or a case example. This book is a joy to read, because it is written in a straightforward style and is beautifully illustrated.

It is organized into six chapters.
1. A brief history of memory (greeks, romans and modern times)
2. How memory works
3. How to improve your memory
4. Discovering memory techniques
5. Memory techniques for everyday life
6. Gain fulfillment through memory

The second chapter tells you how neurotransmitters, axons, dendrites, left and right brain, brainwaves, short and long term memory, sleep, drugs and aging work and affect your memory.

The third chapter tells you how important the elements of imagination, association, location, concentration, observation, repetition and health are to improving your memory.

The fourth chapter explains the techniques themselves in proper learning order - mnemonics, visual pegs, story, journey (the most powerful method for me), dominic system, number-shape system, mind-maps.

The fifth chapter applies the techniques to everyday life and tells you which ones are better suited to which problems.

The last chapter elaborates on why memory improvement is not just an exercise in itself to acquire robotic memory. Rather it tells you how your life can be enriched by keeping your mind young and how to cope with life's demands and past memories. This is one of the chapters I enjoyed most.

As a conclusion, I recommend this little jewel for many reasons. First, it covers the subject very broadly - it does not just give you short recipes, it is a complete treatise on memory. It is a mini memory encyclopedia - the topic is condensed in 160 pages.

Second, it is really a marvelous book, the best book I have read on this subject and quite probably one of the most valuable ones I have gotten ever for my life. It is one of these books you keep in a preferred corner in your bookshelf.

Third, it is truly useful. Although there may be more memory techniques, the ones in this book are the most important ones and are more than enough to keep you busy memorizing.

Fourth, it eliminates the common belief that memory deteriorates with age. It actually worsens with LACK OF USE. You will learn that memory is like a muscle - the more you use it the better it gets. I got this book because I was determined to work on keeping my mind young "before it is too late". I discovered that it is never too late and, unlike muscles, the mind is the most powerful and malleable muscle of all. You just have to keep it busy with many interests.

Enjoy !!!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to remember!, July 24, 2000

By	martin (Oslo, Norway) - See all my reviews

Do you think it is impossible to remember a difficult name or a phone number? Can everyone learn to remember? Yes, everyone can learn to remember! The author of this book (Dominic O`Brien) dropped out of school at an early stage because his memory was too weak. Several years later, he created a technique that made it possible to remember almost everything. Now he is six-time world memory champion and a master of memory.

In this book, Dominic O`Brien tells you how to apply his memory systems. With simple systems, based on imagination, location and association, you will be able to remember long digit numbers, names, facts and even a deck of card!

Here is ,for example, on system for remembering numbers: 1=a 2=b 3=c 4=d and so on. What do you think of ,when you hear 33 ? Well, 33 is CC, so I think of Charlie Chaplin. You see ,this system is both easy and funny!

In addition, yo will also learn some interesting facts about our brain, long term and short term memory, speed reading and how to draw a mind map.

In a study situation, you will probably benefit a lot from this book. According to Dominic O`Brien, our memory is almost like the universe, its unlimited. Belive it or not, but your memory will not decline with years.

There are three good reasons for you to buy this book: Number one: Dominic O`Brien is a true memory expert. He knows how to develop a powerful memory, and encourage you to do right that!

Number two: He has created his own systems, and they are really effective. Number three: The book is pretty,detailed and well written. It is a pleasure to read!

There are written plenty of books about memory. I think this book is, with out doubt, the best one. However, I will also recommend " Mega memory" and "The memory book"

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An effective book from a memory champion, August 17, 2001

By	J. Reich "trendputter" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dominic speaks on his terms about the history of memory, memory functions and works, improving your memory, health and memory, memory and senses, mnemonics, crossword puzzles, journey method, number-shape system, Dominic system, names and faces, speed reading, mind maps, and much more.

This book is not extremely lengthy but covers the subject of memory-and memory improvement-very effectively. The pages of this book are also colorful and picturesque.

I was pleased to read on the usefulness of the number shape system that Dominic employs, with the Dominic system. In addition, the Dominic system is very masterful. To add, Dominic's writings on memory, and the senses are fresh and insightful.

Any person reasonably interested in memory must read this book. This book is a pinnacle in my top 10 list.