Forgotten ideas, neglected pioneers : Richard Semon and the story of memory

Richard Semon was a German evolutionary biologist who wrote, during the first decade of the twentieth century, two fascinating analyses of the workings of human memory which were ahead of their time. Although these have been virtually unknown to modern researchers, Semon's work has been rediscovered during the past two decades and has begun to have an influence on the field. This book not only examines Semon's contribution to memory research, but also tells the story of an extraordinary life set against the background of a turbulent period in European history and major developments in science and evolutionary theory. The resulting book is an engaging blend of biographical, historical and psychological material. Richard Semon Was A German Evolutionary Biologist Who, During The First Decade Of The Twentieth Century, Wrote Two Fascinating Analyses Of The Workings Of Human Memory That Were Ahead Of Their Time. This Book Not Only Examines Semon's Contribution To Memory Research, But Also Tells The Story Of An Extraordinary Life Set Against The Background Of A Turbulent Period In European History And Major Developments In Science And Evolutionary Theory. The Resulting Book Is An Engaging Blend Of Biographical, Historical And Psychological Material.--jacket. The Story -- The Issues -- Epilogue: Past, Present, And Future In Psychology -- Richard Semon's Theory Of Memory. Daniel L. Schacter. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 277-290) And Indexes. "Richard Semon was a German evolutionary biologist who, during the first decade of the twentieth century, wrote two fascinating analyses of the workings of human memory that were ahead of their time. This book not only examines Semon's contribution to memory research, but also tells the story of an extraordinary life set against the background of a turbulent period in European history and major developments in science and evolutionary theory. The resulting book is an engaging blend of biographical, historical and psychological material."--BOOK JACKET. "A fascinating story, told with narrative vigor and scholarly depth, and an important contribution to the history of the study of the human mind." Steven Pinker, Peter de Florez Professor of Psychology, MIT, author of How the Mind Works