The Art of Memory

This book traces the history of human knowledge through the development of memory techniques. Before printing was invented, a well-trained memory was essential to learning and scholarship. The ancient Greeks developed an elaborate memory system based on mentally impressing 'places' and 'images' onto the mind. This technique was adopted by the Romans and became part of the European intellectual tradition, later experiencing a revival in occult form during the Renaissance. Frances Yates examines how this memory tradition illuminates major works and cultural phenomena, including Dante's Divine Comedy, the structure of Shakespearean theatre, and ancient architectural design. The book contributes to understanding in aesthetics, psychology, philosophy, the history of science, and literary history.