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Memory Craft
Our brain is a muscle. Like our bodies, it needs exercise. In the last few hundred years, we have stopped training our memories and we have lost the ability to memorise large amounts of information.
Memory Craft introduces the best memory techniques humans have ever devised, from ancient times and the Middle Ages, to methods used by today's memory athletes. Lynne Kelly has tested all these methods in experiments which demonstrate the extraordinary capacity of our brains at any age.
For anyone who needs to memorise a speech or a play script, learn anatomy or a foreign language, or prepare for an exam, Memory Craft is a fabulous toolkit. It offers proven techniques for teachers to help their students learn more effectively. There are also simple strategies for anyone who has trouble remembering names or dates, and for older people who want to keep their minds agile. Above all, memorising things can be playful, creative and great fun.
Memory Craft introduces the best memory techniques humans have ever devised, from ancient times and the Middle Ages, to methods used by today's memory athletes. Lynne Kelly has tested all these methods in experiments which demonstrate the extraordinary capacity of our brains at any age.
For anyone who needs to memorise a speech or a play script, learn anatomy or a foreign language, or prepare for an exam, Memory Craft is a fabulous toolkit. It offers proven techniques for teachers to help their students learn more effectively. There are also simple strategies for anyone who has trouble remembering names or dates, and for older people who want to keep their minds agile. Above all, memorising things can be playful, creative and great fun.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2021
273 people are currently reading
2186 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Kelly
22 books153 followersMy new book, The Knowledge Gene was be published in Australia and NZ in 2024, and early in 2025 for North America. It is the culmination of all my work on knowledge systems and memory. It is the scientific evidence humans are all genetically encoded to use our uniquely human skills in music, art, spatial abilities, story and performance to store and convey knowledge - and have been doing so for at least 70,000 years! We all have so much more potential that we are using.
I did a PhD on the way indigenous cultures memorise vast amounts of information when they don't use writing. Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies was published by Cambridge University Press in 2015 and explains the implications for archaeology, offering new interpretations for the purpose of monuments around the world including Stonehenge, the statues of Easter Island and the huge images on the desert at Nasca.
The Memory Code (2016) presented this approach for the general reader. There was an overwhelming response to the book, asking how to implement the memory methods in contemporary life. That is the theme of Memory Craft.. Songlines: the power and promise is co-authored with Indigenous writers, Margo Neale and leads the First Knowledges series. Songlines for Younger Readers was published in 2023, leading the children's series. Both Songlines books have been shortlisted for major awards.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and now live in rural Castlemaine. I started writing as a child and am the author of ten books for schools written during my teaching career, and a novel, Avenging Janie. I then started writing popular science, publishing three books, The Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal, Crocodile: evolution's greatest survivor and Spiders: learning to love them.
I did a PhD on the way indigenous cultures memorise vast amounts of information when they don't use writing. Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies was published by Cambridge University Press in 2015 and explains the implications for archaeology, offering new interpretations for the purpose of monuments around the world including Stonehenge, the statues of Easter Island and the huge images on the desert at Nasca.
The Memory Code (2016) presented this approach for the general reader. There was an overwhelming response to the book, asking how to implement the memory methods in contemporary life. That is the theme of Memory Craft.. Songlines: the power and promise is co-authored with Indigenous writers, Margo Neale and leads the First Knowledges series. Songlines for Younger Readers was published in 2023, leading the children's series. Both Songlines books have been shortlisted for major awards.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and now live in rural Castlemaine. I started writing as a child and am the author of ten books for schools written during my teaching career, and a novel, Avenging Janie. I then started writing popular science, publishing three books, The Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal, Crocodile: evolution's greatest survivor and Spiders: learning to love them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 10, 2019
The world will never be the same again if you read this book.
Lynne Kelly’s last book, The Memory Code, blew my mind completely. It is rare that such a book comes along which has the power to change your perspective about life on planet earth, as well as teach you a startling and ancient life skill.
Well. It’s happened again, and here it is and it happens to be Lynne Kelly’s new book, Memory Craft. Not only does a this book leave you inspired to learn better and remember better but it leaves you breathless about the intelligence and ability of indigenous cultures around the world.
You will not only learn a whole slew of new life skills but you will gain a greater appreciation for the minds of the First Nations and the way they organised, recorded and trained themselves as human encyclopaedias.
You will realise the great horror that was created when our forebears forced them fro their traditional lands.
You will come to understand the relationship between indigenous people and their “country.”
You will realise that the modern cultural phenomenon of the internet may have the exact opposite of the effect that we thought it would, and it could be making people less intelligent, empty-headed dufuses whilst we watch.
The devolution of the human intellect will be live streamed and tweeted.
This book is a ‘tour de force,’ a giant leap for human kind. I have read dozens of books about mnemonics but this one is written so well, is so broad in scope, is so rich in strategy and skill transfer that it can hardly be categorised.
The world will never be the same again if you read this book.
As you can tell I really liked it.
Lynne Kelly’s last book, The Memory Code, blew my mind completely. It is rare that such a book comes along which has the power to change your perspective about life on planet earth, as well as teach you a startling and ancient life skill.
Well. It’s happened again, and here it is and it happens to be Lynne Kelly’s new book, Memory Craft. Not only does a this book leave you inspired to learn better and remember better but it leaves you breathless about the intelligence and ability of indigenous cultures around the world.
You will not only learn a whole slew of new life skills but you will gain a greater appreciation for the minds of the First Nations and the way they organised, recorded and trained themselves as human encyclopaedias.
You will realise the great horror that was created when our forebears forced them fro their traditional lands.
You will come to understand the relationship between indigenous people and their “country.”
You will realise that the modern cultural phenomenon of the internet may have the exact opposite of the effect that we thought it would, and it could be making people less intelligent, empty-headed dufuses whilst we watch.
The devolution of the human intellect will be live streamed and tweeted.
This book is a ‘tour de force,’ a giant leap for human kind. I have read dozens of books about mnemonics but this one is written so well, is so broad in scope, is so rich in strategy and skill transfer that it can hardly be categorised.
The world will never be the same again if you read this book.
As you can tell I really liked it.
July 2, 2019
I read and loved The Memory Code and this sequel is just as good, but this time is also very practical. Kelly explains her methods for improving our memory clearly, and at times poetically. This is a meticulously researched and beautifully written work.
January 25, 2020
This isn't the first book I had read on the topic of memory and memory techniques, but it was certainly the most comprehensive.
Memory Craft introduces a number of memory techniques, anchors them in historical context, and demonstrates their practical use for everyday life. I was particularly interested in the Memory Palace technique, but I think the most powerful lesson is that all of the techniques represented here stem from a common neurological basis—the brain's powerful ability to encode experience and abstract knowledge in space. And if you want to make it stick, tell a vivid story around it and retell it often. The combination of place, story and repetition is the foundation for strong lasting memory.
By examining the tools, artifacts and traditions used by pre-literate/oral cultures to transfer vast amounts of knowledge between generations, Dr. Kelly shows the power of these techniques by putting them to use in her own work and life. I found that by exploring a variety of techniques in historical and practical context, I really got a clear picture of how all of these approaches to encoding knowledge are useful for anything I might want to remember.
I finished the book feeling inspired and fully-equipped to start building my own memory palaces. Time to get to work.
Memory Craft introduces a number of memory techniques, anchors them in historical context, and demonstrates their practical use for everyday life. I was particularly interested in the Memory Palace technique, but I think the most powerful lesson is that all of the techniques represented here stem from a common neurological basis—the brain's powerful ability to encode experience and abstract knowledge in space. And if you want to make it stick, tell a vivid story around it and retell it often. The combination of place, story and repetition is the foundation for strong lasting memory.
By examining the tools, artifacts and traditions used by pre-literate/oral cultures to transfer vast amounts of knowledge between generations, Dr. Kelly shows the power of these techniques by putting them to use in her own work and life. I found that by exploring a variety of techniques in historical and practical context, I really got a clear picture of how all of these approaches to encoding knowledge are useful for anything I might want to remember.
I finished the book feeling inspired and fully-equipped to start building my own memory palaces. Time to get to work.
April 2, 2020
If you are looking for different and advanced memory techniques in a book, this is the one.
Years ago I asked my teacher, whom I knew have read lots of books, to introduce me a book that makes me smart. He couldn’t give me the book I was looking for. But now I can say I found it myself. This book is an advanced level of memory techniques and gives you a good instruction to study and memorize smart. There are several categorized memory techniques in this book that you can use based on your needs. The most interesting thing about this is that it was first used by indigenous cultures who had to use their memorization in order to survive! Because in those times writing was not invented, they had to embed their knowledge in locations, devices, dolls, songs, dances, and other tools.
Years ago I asked my teacher, whom I knew have read lots of books, to introduce me a book that makes me smart. He couldn’t give me the book I was looking for. But now I can say I found it myself. This book is an advanced level of memory techniques and gives you a good instruction to study and memorize smart. There are several categorized memory techniques in this book that you can use based on your needs. The most interesting thing about this is that it was first used by indigenous cultures who had to use their memorization in order to survive! Because in those times writing was not invented, they had to embed their knowledge in locations, devices, dolls, songs, dances, and other tools.
March 28, 2021
This wonderful book explains so many tricks for remembering bundles of information, from shopping lists to histories to genealogies to names to birthdays. I was amazed by everything I read. The information presented by Kelly is ground-breaking in that historic and prehistoric objects may have had uses as memory tools, and the same with sites like Stonehenge. It's fascinating stuff. There's a ton of information, as well, about how memory fitness can be achieved by starting to implement some of these methods. Looking back at my dad's Alzheimer's, I think she's right. I believe that if he had forced himself to work on his memory when it began to falter, he could have lasted longer than he did. But of course that's simply a theory. One flaw of the book is that it expected a certain amount of baseline knowledge about this subject, so I had to piece a few ideas together. Also, a step-by-step guide to doing some of these things (like setting up a memory palace) would have really helped me. I plan on rereading it and I think I'll get even more out of it the second time around. Lynne Kelly really inspired me, and I want to get busy memorizing some exciting information -- my family history, poems, recipes... Also, I want to thank my friend the author Joni Tevis for giving me a gift certificate to Avid Books in Athens....this book was one I chose. I had heard Lynne Kelly interviewed on a podcast, was mesmerized, and wanted to know more. I do recommend it. Highly.
January 2, 2020
Lynne Kelly’s last book, The Memory Code, focused on some of the objects historically used as memory aids. This book is a historical analysis of the specific techniques and devices used to aid memory throughout history. It is detailed enough that you can try the techniques yourself.
Have you ever wondered what the medieval bestiaries were used for? Have you ever wondered just how people remembered massive amounts of information before printing presses were invented? Would you like to know why manuscripts were so heavily decorated? Ever wanted to know how the Maori wooden staves, Rakau whakapapa, work? In this book, you will find the answers.
For a great overview of the history of memory techniques, this is a brilliant work. Those wanting to get more deeply into a technique, will probably want to use other authors and youtube videos as a supplement. This book gives a simple introduction to each technique, but there are far more focused publications available, once you decide which technique you really want to master.
On the other hand, I do not believe ANY source is going to give a better explanation of using knots, khipu, as a memory aid.
This book is well worth reading.
Have you ever wondered what the medieval bestiaries were used for? Have you ever wondered just how people remembered massive amounts of information before printing presses were invented? Would you like to know why manuscripts were so heavily decorated? Ever wanted to know how the Maori wooden staves, Rakau whakapapa, work? In this book, you will find the answers.
For a great overview of the history of memory techniques, this is a brilliant work. Those wanting to get more deeply into a technique, will probably want to use other authors and youtube videos as a supplement. This book gives a simple introduction to each technique, but there are far more focused publications available, once you decide which technique you really want to master.
On the other hand, I do not believe ANY source is going to give a better explanation of using knots, khipu, as a memory aid.
This book is well worth reading.
December 31, 2019
A really inspiring and interesting practical book on using and improving your memory. As someone in their mid-fifties who is intrigued as to how I can keep my brain active, this book has been a springboard to have me memorise the 233 countries in the world by population. Can I actually do this? we'll have to wait and see. As a teacher I hope to encourage my children and students to use this method to memorise dates and information in their studies.
Read
May 27, 2021Very good book connecting art, primitive history and memory techniques. I feel there is a lot more to discover
July 5, 2025
I first encountered the idea of a “memory palace” in an episode of Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch. Memory Craft by Lynne Kelly introduces not just memory palaces but a whole suite of techniques, many rooted in ancient practices. One standout was her use of a personal bestiary — a clever, creative tool for remembering names. I liked how this book combined techniques with historical references of ancient civilizations use of them. Recommend!
July 11, 2022
It's very interesting position for me as a memory learner. when I read this book I had a lot of interesting moments from my life in front of my eyes..It's a good lecture for every passionate man of memory...
December 11, 2022
If you want to do better at studying ...read this book
If you want to help your kids in school...read this book.
If you want to be a better teacher...read this book
If you want to remember where you left your keys... this book can't help you. But for anything that requires organised information, there is profound insight between these covers.
In 2016, Lynne Kelly published a book on how indigenous cultures around the world memorized vast amounts of information - from cultural history and how to navigate their landscape, to complex records of all the animal, plants, insects, stars and elements of the natural world that matter for their world. Many of their artifacts, some of which seem impractical or strange, were not created for aesthetic pleasure, but as utilitarian memorization tools.
In her 2019 follow up book, Memory Craft, Kelly explores a dozen or so different memory techniques across history, from the Songs, Dance and Craft of the First Nations, the page scribbles of the Medieval era, and especially the Memory Palaces of the Greeks, Romans and modern world champions of memory competitions. All these systems rely on the same fundamental insight: The human mind is very good at remembering physical locations, and emotive, impactful stories within those locations. If adopted consciously, using specific locations and scenes as a 'code', virtually anything from historical events, to chemical equations to random binary numerals can be remembered.
Kelly is the most delightful guide on this tour though the world of memory, because she's an active participant herself. She strikes me as that classic teacher we all once had who has 15 different amazing hobbies, seemed to know everything and yet still able to splurg with a quiet teenager about their latest obsession. Through her memory techniques, she not only has vast and rich knowledge of the world, but lives a life that seems very alive - the places around her packed with vibrant memory palaces, her clothing designed to help remember Shakespearean plays, her daily chatter regularly breaking into song as she converses with imaginary 'rapscallions' which help her remember that her slice of bread is a masculine noun, while her jam is feminine. It may sound strange, but once you read this it all feels so vibrant and fun.
This is a joyous book. Kelly has a background as a school teacher, so she's often focused on how to help kids remember things. As a retiree (she was 67 at the time of writing) she's also passionately engaged with the effort to show memory does not have to decline as we age. Indeed in the course of writing the book she puts herself through several experiments, including learning French and Chinese languages and competing in the Australian Memory Championships.
This is therefore less a review than a gush. Few authors personalities leap off the page in such a compelling way. Few books have lit up my imagination for how I could adapt and apply these techniques. Indeed, and I feel comfortable saying it for those who've taken the time to read this far down, I've begun playing with memory palaces. And they actually work. Very early days, but I'm very struck by the potential. Both as a learner and a teacher.
Buy this book.
If you want to help your kids in school...read this book.
If you want to be a better teacher...read this book
If you want to remember where you left your keys... this book can't help you. But for anything that requires organised information, there is profound insight between these covers.
In 2016, Lynne Kelly published a book on how indigenous cultures around the world memorized vast amounts of information - from cultural history and how to navigate their landscape, to complex records of all the animal, plants, insects, stars and elements of the natural world that matter for their world. Many of their artifacts, some of which seem impractical or strange, were not created for aesthetic pleasure, but as utilitarian memorization tools.
In her 2019 follow up book, Memory Craft, Kelly explores a dozen or so different memory techniques across history, from the Songs, Dance and Craft of the First Nations, the page scribbles of the Medieval era, and especially the Memory Palaces of the Greeks, Romans and modern world champions of memory competitions. All these systems rely on the same fundamental insight: The human mind is very good at remembering physical locations, and emotive, impactful stories within those locations. If adopted consciously, using specific locations and scenes as a 'code', virtually anything from historical events, to chemical equations to random binary numerals can be remembered.
Kelly is the most delightful guide on this tour though the world of memory, because she's an active participant herself. She strikes me as that classic teacher we all once had who has 15 different amazing hobbies, seemed to know everything and yet still able to splurg with a quiet teenager about their latest obsession. Through her memory techniques, she not only has vast and rich knowledge of the world, but lives a life that seems very alive - the places around her packed with vibrant memory palaces, her clothing designed to help remember Shakespearean plays, her daily chatter regularly breaking into song as she converses with imaginary 'rapscallions' which help her remember that her slice of bread is a masculine noun, while her jam is feminine. It may sound strange, but once you read this it all feels so vibrant and fun.
This is a joyous book. Kelly has a background as a school teacher, so she's often focused on how to help kids remember things. As a retiree (she was 67 at the time of writing) she's also passionately engaged with the effort to show memory does not have to decline as we age. Indeed in the course of writing the book she puts herself through several experiments, including learning French and Chinese languages and competing in the Australian Memory Championships.
This is therefore less a review than a gush. Few authors personalities leap off the page in such a compelling way. Few books have lit up my imagination for how I could adapt and apply these techniques. Indeed, and I feel comfortable saying it for those who've taken the time to read this far down, I've begun playing with memory palaces. And they actually work. Very early days, but I'm very struck by the potential. Both as a learner and a teacher.
Buy this book.
May 22, 2021
Kelly offers more than 35 memory methods based on historical allusions and her personalization of said methods through practical application.
While the core tenets of the book remain clear - process is provided and supporting examples are specifically cited - the book remains more personal rather than pragmatic when approaching mnemotechnics. While there were times that I sought guidance and clarity through her examples, more often than not, I would find myself skipping or running past these stories because either the memory method or the story did not appeal to me (because I was approaching this as a manual).
Since the methods are ingrained with personal references, I also found the order or arrangement of chapters dissatisfactory; they are, however segmented accordingly and an index and a table provide clear guidance at the back. Kelly has provided plates and examples as well to not only show earlier methods (from the Early Ages all the way to the Renaissance era, with some examples being taken from Australian, European, and Asian cultures) but provides modern revisions of these processes as well.
All-in-all, I believe the 3/5 provided is reflective of my unsatisfied desire to explore Memory Methods from a pragmatic framework. Kelly herself is a very communicative and creative individual and her approach should be more relatable to readers who approach this with a casual expectation.
While the core tenets of the book remain clear - process is provided and supporting examples are specifically cited - the book remains more personal rather than pragmatic when approaching mnemotechnics. While there were times that I sought guidance and clarity through her examples, more often than not, I would find myself skipping or running past these stories because either the memory method or the story did not appeal to me (because I was approaching this as a manual).
Since the methods are ingrained with personal references, I also found the order or arrangement of chapters dissatisfactory; they are, however segmented accordingly and an index and a table provide clear guidance at the back. Kelly has provided plates and examples as well to not only show earlier methods (from the Early Ages all the way to the Renaissance era, with some examples being taken from Australian, European, and Asian cultures) but provides modern revisions of these processes as well.
All-in-all, I believe the 3/5 provided is reflective of my unsatisfied desire to explore Memory Methods from a pragmatic framework. Kelly herself is a very communicative and creative individual and her approach should be more relatable to readers who approach this with a casual expectation.
July 7, 2019
A really excellent book. Should be read by all teachers, educators, politicians, and more besides. I've long been interested in memory and efficient learning, and despite knowing a lot about the field Dr. Kelly still taught me so much more.
I wish Dr. Kelly, Professor Barbara Oakley, and other's such as Benedict Carey, Gabriel Wyner could be locked in a room with the necessary Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers of Education to create the political will we need to change the education system so that it benefits the pupils.
Imagine a gym class where the cross-country running was around different memory palaces! So the exercise was simultaneously improving, say, the French lessons! Art classes that work on creating memory boards, palaces and such like. Creative writing classes to help with chemistry.
I could go on for hours. A very enjoyable read, with interesting thoughts also on the benefits of memory training on dementia patients. And let me rant again! I know from my own experience the costs, mental, physical, emotional and financial of dealing with with dementia in the family. Memory training could have helped delay or offset that disease - which would be a massive benefit to the tax-payer.
I wish Dr. Kelly, Professor Barbara Oakley, and other's such as Benedict Carey, Gabriel Wyner could be locked in a room with the necessary Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers of Education to create the political will we need to change the education system so that it benefits the pupils.
Imagine a gym class where the cross-country running was around different memory palaces! So the exercise was simultaneously improving, say, the French lessons! Art classes that work on creating memory boards, palaces and such like. Creative writing classes to help with chemistry.
I could go on for hours. A very enjoyable read, with interesting thoughts also on the benefits of memory training on dementia patients. And let me rant again! I know from my own experience the costs, mental, physical, emotional and financial of dealing with with dementia in the family. Memory training could have helped delay or offset that disease - which would be a massive benefit to the tax-payer.
September 2, 2024
I found out about Memory Craft after going down a bit of a memory improvement rabbit hole on Youtube. I've always wanted to improve my memory, maybe apply it to language learning, day to day, memorising important things by heart etc, and so I consulted the great YT algorithm to divine me some good reccs.
I was led to a video by 4x US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis, and he recommended this book as part of a list of good but unconventional memory related books . I was initially lukewarm to the pitch-- Memory Craft promises teaching readers memory techniques alongside the HISTORY of how these memory techniques came to be. I assumed the history would be really dry and boring, and only picked up the book to skim till I reached the stuff I figured would interest me.
I was very pleasantly surprised however to have my expectations completely turned on my head! I finished the book cover to cover, not just for the memory techniques, but because the history of memory turned out to be interesting and insightful!! Learning about how indigenous peoples all over the world incorporated, preserved and shared important knowledge w their ancestors through performance, clothing, and ritual devices, and also through the sheer power of imagination, is really humbling and awe inspiring to me.
I think what additionally helps is how author Lynne Kelly's contagious excitement towards the subject buzzes through the text. In the book Kelly explains how she herself stumbled upon this memory enterprise by accidentally. However as an academic and a history/knowledge buff, she applied the techniques that she picked up while researching on medieval history and indigenous cultures, and it has quite literally changed her life and the way she interacts with knowledge.
Its impressive to read about how an older lady (she was in her 60s when she wrote Memory Craft) with the use of memory techniques can now distinguish between the 136 different spider families by identifying their eye patterns. She has also committed to her memory all the countries in the world according to their population sizes, has picked up French and Mandarin, and is also actively joining national memory competitions and has even won a few! She has also created a mind palace stocked with the literal history of our world and is continually adding to her already vast store of memorised and applied knowledge till today.
I think Memory Craft is a book that could be legitimately life-changing, in the way we approach learning, but of course it requires the reader to apply these techniques in their lives in some productive way. While reading this book I had actually applied the memory palace technique and can now recite from heart the 37-line poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold, which is smthing h had always hoped to do, but was so daunted by. Now I know its completely possible, and I can aim even higher really. It really just takes some planning and focus, and following the paths and techniques discovered by our ancestors
This book is definitely not perfect though. I think id have to dock half a star because I think the book's organisation can be a bit frustrating. Some information and tips do get repeated often, (albeit in different contexts) which can feel confusing to the reader. Also some chapters do feel abit too long, and the last three chapters in particular, while still interesting and asking some very important questions (specifically about memory and dementia), can feel abit divorced from the main thesis of the book.
Also sometimes having the techniques explained in word form can be tricky to grok. Lynne Kelly does a great job explaining them with words and helpful images, but it doesn't hurt to supplement your learning with some videos online. I don't think she would mind.
That being said, those are purely nitpicks, and I would readily recommend this book to anyone who's interested in being a better learner through some age old science backed memory techniques, or would just love to find a role model student for life like Dr Lynne Kelly. A truly inspiring read!
4.5/ 5 stars
I was led to a video by 4x US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis, and he recommended this book as part of a list of good but unconventional memory related books . I was initially lukewarm to the pitch-- Memory Craft promises teaching readers memory techniques alongside the HISTORY of how these memory techniques came to be. I assumed the history would be really dry and boring, and only picked up the book to skim till I reached the stuff I figured would interest me.
I was very pleasantly surprised however to have my expectations completely turned on my head! I finished the book cover to cover, not just for the memory techniques, but because the history of memory turned out to be interesting and insightful!! Learning about how indigenous peoples all over the world incorporated, preserved and shared important knowledge w their ancestors through performance, clothing, and ritual devices, and also through the sheer power of imagination, is really humbling and awe inspiring to me.
I think what additionally helps is how author Lynne Kelly's contagious excitement towards the subject buzzes through the text. In the book Kelly explains how she herself stumbled upon this memory enterprise by accidentally. However as an academic and a history/knowledge buff, she applied the techniques that she picked up while researching on medieval history and indigenous cultures, and it has quite literally changed her life and the way she interacts with knowledge.
Its impressive to read about how an older lady (she was in her 60s when she wrote Memory Craft) with the use of memory techniques can now distinguish between the 136 different spider families by identifying their eye patterns. She has also committed to her memory all the countries in the world according to their population sizes, has picked up French and Mandarin, and is also actively joining national memory competitions and has even won a few! She has also created a mind palace stocked with the literal history of our world and is continually adding to her already vast store of memorised and applied knowledge till today.
I think Memory Craft is a book that could be legitimately life-changing, in the way we approach learning, but of course it requires the reader to apply these techniques in their lives in some productive way. While reading this book I had actually applied the memory palace technique and can now recite from heart the 37-line poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold, which is smthing h had always hoped to do, but was so daunted by. Now I know its completely possible, and I can aim even higher really. It really just takes some planning and focus, and following the paths and techniques discovered by our ancestors
This book is definitely not perfect though. I think id have to dock half a star because I think the book's organisation can be a bit frustrating. Some information and tips do get repeated often, (albeit in different contexts) which can feel confusing to the reader. Also some chapters do feel abit too long, and the last three chapters in particular, while still interesting and asking some very important questions (specifically about memory and dementia), can feel abit divorced from the main thesis of the book.
Also sometimes having the techniques explained in word form can be tricky to grok. Lynne Kelly does a great job explaining them with words and helpful images, but it doesn't hurt to supplement your learning with some videos online. I don't think she would mind.
That being said, those are purely nitpicks, and I would readily recommend this book to anyone who's interested in being a better learner through some age old science backed memory techniques, or would just love to find a role model student for life like Dr Lynne Kelly. A truly inspiring read!
4.5/ 5 stars
April 16, 2020
You are never too old or too young to start training your memory.
I’ve always engaged myself in imagination techniques weather using my own patterns or other techniques or intensely pursued the new ideas on imagination. I find memory entertainments pretty much engaging in challenging imagination. Dominic O'Brien was the first memory champion I had the chance to learn from and this book also has presented an informative journey of memory over times and the significant contribution of memory to shape our present understanding.
I’ve always engaged myself in imagination techniques weather using my own patterns or other techniques or intensely pursued the new ideas on imagination. I find memory entertainments pretty much engaging in challenging imagination. Dominic O'Brien was the first memory champion I had the chance to learn from and this book also has presented an informative journey of memory over times and the significant contribution of memory to shape our present understanding.
April 10, 2024
Learned some now things about memory and how to strengthen it. Some parts were interesting however I found it a bit hard to push through at some points. I found some of the techniques a bit hard to apply. Overall I think it’s worth a read if you’re really interested in memory and memory palaces, however be prepared this is not an fast/easy read.
January 9, 2023
Learned so much from this book. Wish I would have known some of these techniques when I was memorizing things in college for tests, but never too late for other types of memorizing in life.
January 25, 2020
I have read a lot of memory books, and this is the best book on the topic I have come across.
January 8, 2020
I sure wish I knew how to apply these memory techniques when I was in school!
December 29, 2019
This book should be required reading for educators around the world. Up until the so-called Enlightenment, the importance of cultivating the art of memory was well understood to be fundamental to education. One of the consequences of the so-called Enlightenment has been the loss of this understanding. Lynne Kelly explains how the use of memory was central not just to European culture, but to the Australian Aboriginals and American Indians and other cultures around the world. The basic idea of developing the art of memory, or memory craft, is to use images and sequences in order to fix into the memory the required information. Lynne Kelly not only discusses this at at a theoretical level, but also at the practical level necessary to start practising memory craft yourself. Highly recommended!
April 12, 2021
Memory Craft
Lynne Kelly
p.30: Visual alphabets and bestiaries were just two of the memory devices used as writing became more widespread.
p.32: A memory palace is a visualisation of a trail of physical locations that are easy to remember in order.
p.51: When setting up a memory palace, name every location carefully and it will serve you well.
p.69: ‘entorhinal grid cells’.... Edvard Moser, May-Britt Moser and John O’Keefe showed that these cells constitute a positioning system in the brain. They encode a cognitive representation of the physical space you inhabit.
So memories that piggyback on the hippocampus’s ability to remember space can become very strong: any events we encounter, or associate with, specific locations in space at a given time can gain this potency.
p.87: We’ve seen that research shows that neuroscience and indigenous memory methods both advise the same things: your memory is going to be helped immensely if you use regular repetition, vivid stories, song, imagination, emotion and memory palaces.
p.127: Australian Aboriginal storytellers, still active, draw in the soil and use leaves, sticks and stones to tell stories on a stage set in the cleared ground. The human brain is a pattern-seeking device. It naturally responds well to the layouts and movement.
p.129: A memory method employing performances on a miniature stage with objects is a particularly strong method when your information will not fit into a neat linear format. Obviously, this is great for historical narratives….
p.149: There are many images of mandalas online to admire and use as an inspiration for your own design. And all the while you are thinking about your plan, you are becoming more engaged with the specific knowledge. The process is as important as the final product, if not more so.
Lynne Kelly
p.30: Visual alphabets and bestiaries were just two of the memory devices used as writing became more widespread.
p.32: A memory palace is a visualisation of a trail of physical locations that are easy to remember in order.
p.51: When setting up a memory palace, name every location carefully and it will serve you well.
p.69: ‘entorhinal grid cells’.... Edvard Moser, May-Britt Moser and John O’Keefe showed that these cells constitute a positioning system in the brain. They encode a cognitive representation of the physical space you inhabit.
So memories that piggyback on the hippocampus’s ability to remember space can become very strong: any events we encounter, or associate with, specific locations in space at a given time can gain this potency.
p.87: We’ve seen that research shows that neuroscience and indigenous memory methods both advise the same things: your memory is going to be helped immensely if you use regular repetition, vivid stories, song, imagination, emotion and memory palaces.
p.127: Australian Aboriginal storytellers, still active, draw in the soil and use leaves, sticks and stones to tell stories on a stage set in the cleared ground. The human brain is a pattern-seeking device. It naturally responds well to the layouts and movement.
p.129: A memory method employing performances on a miniature stage with objects is a particularly strong method when your information will not fit into a neat linear format. Obviously, this is great for historical narratives….
p.149: There are many images of mandalas online to admire and use as an inspiration for your own design. And all the while you are thinking about your plan, you are becoming more engaged with the specific knowledge. The process is as important as the final product, if not more so.
December 30, 2021
This is an amazing book filled with strategies, tools and insights to improve memory but also to be able to structure memory. I found it so full of great ideas that I needed to stop and digest the information at regular points. Listening to it on Audible made a big difference to be able to think through the ideas but I also bought the hard copy to be able to make notes and refer to the images. The author's website is also very generous with it content and tools and I bought and downloaded her Bestiary to use.
There are also a chapter on dementia and how we can both assist those around us but more importantly to build our own memory fitness and create tools that will assist us in the future if we do begin to suffer memory loss. I also found the strategies she uses for memory competitions fascinating and the fact that she began this in her sixties and became an Australian memory athlete and champion is impressive.
I can't wait to put these techniques into practice!
There are also a chapter on dementia and how we can both assist those around us but more importantly to build our own memory fitness and create tools that will assist us in the future if we do begin to suffer memory loss. I also found the strategies she uses for memory competitions fascinating and the fact that she began this in her sixties and became an Australian memory athlete and champion is impressive.
I can't wait to put these techniques into practice!
August 9, 2019
Mixed feelings about it. Though she offers some ways, its mostly written in a memoir direction, with lots and lots of babbling. Like something you would see in a forum post, not an officially edited book.
Doesn't deliver at all according to the title, but worth the paging throughout and checking very specific chapters.
Doesn't deliver at all according to the title, but worth the paging throughout and checking very specific chapters.
October 24, 2025
Not yet finished. I had a library copy but I need to get a real (as opposed to electronic) book to read it properly and over time. It’s not a book I can plough through in two weeks.
So far, it’s fascinating.
So far, it’s fascinating.
October 6, 2019
Absolutely wonderful book!
August 26, 2021
Lots and lots of how some people use the tricks of the trade. Very little on how to use it yourself. Good stuff to learn about, but not the book to use if you want to become a memory champ.
July 8, 2024
Interesting broad and high-level overview of memory techniques. Despite some of the author's personal anecdotes and usage stories, I feel like this book could be rewritten to focus more on practical uses and examples for various edge cases and ways to employ the different mnemonic systems.
For context, I have been using the method of loci for over 20 years to decent effect. However, I don't deploy mnemonics systems as widely or frequently as I probably could. My goal in reading this book was to expand my arsenal and make mnemonic systems more accessible and applicable to daily life. I did learn about a bunch of new systems (bestiary, visual alphabet, "rapscallions"/"ancestors", and pretty much all of the physical mnemonic systems and journeys which in my mind variations on loci methods). Unfortunately, I've had a somewhat difficult time actually figuring out how to _apply_ these systems to different scenarios. Kelly does list at least one key way that each system can be used, but these were undermotivated for me (I really don't care to memorize historical dates or figures; my goal is to develop highly-accessible associations for various math theorems and scientific techniques to really broaden my creative reach in problem solving and ideation). I would have appreciated an FAQ section on each technique and a more expansive list on how to apply each. The creative potential is very wide, but I feel like I'm kind of groping in the dark and trying to invent my own variations on these techniques when applying them.
I'm particularly confused as to how rapscallions should be used. Are these just a set of "anchors" to be used in other memory systems or should I be using the cast of characters as its own map? The back of the book does show Kelly's list of rapscallions and they're numbered apparently in order of birth date. This suggests to me that they form their own inherent linked list (possibly even absolutely indexed if you can remember their dates, which she did suggest at one point in relation to her history journey). Again, I feel like I'm filling in the blanks on my own and just inventing a new synthesis. I'm fine doing that, but I would like to lean heavily on the learnings of others' experience in developing and using these systems to good effect.
For context, I have been using the method of loci for over 20 years to decent effect. However, I don't deploy mnemonics systems as widely or frequently as I probably could. My goal in reading this book was to expand my arsenal and make mnemonic systems more accessible and applicable to daily life. I did learn about a bunch of new systems (bestiary, visual alphabet, "rapscallions"/"ancestors", and pretty much all of the physical mnemonic systems and journeys which in my mind variations on loci methods). Unfortunately, I've had a somewhat difficult time actually figuring out how to _apply_ these systems to different scenarios. Kelly does list at least one key way that each system can be used, but these were undermotivated for me (I really don't care to memorize historical dates or figures; my goal is to develop highly-accessible associations for various math theorems and scientific techniques to really broaden my creative reach in problem solving and ideation). I would have appreciated an FAQ section on each technique and a more expansive list on how to apply each. The creative potential is very wide, but I feel like I'm kind of groping in the dark and trying to invent my own variations on these techniques when applying them.
I'm particularly confused as to how rapscallions should be used. Are these just a set of "anchors" to be used in other memory systems or should I be using the cast of characters as its own map? The back of the book does show Kelly's list of rapscallions and they're numbered apparently in order of birth date. This suggests to me that they form their own inherent linked list (possibly even absolutely indexed if you can remember their dates, which she did suggest at one point in relation to her history journey). Again, I feel like I'm filling in the blanks on my own and just inventing a new synthesis. I'm fine doing that, but I would like to lean heavily on the learnings of others' experience in developing and using these systems to good effect.
April 1, 2023
4.5. I had some mixed feelings on this one, but I'm rating it highly because I telling my family about it as I read it. Primarily, I am in awe of this author and all the things she has memorized - especially considering she is in her 60s. Her use of memory techniques is so much more practical than the memory championship's lists of random numbers & words (which I read about in detail in Moonwalking with Einstein. The author was also endearing with her quirky experiment and mild self-deprecation.
She discusses a wide variety of memory techniques, with examples of how she has used different ones. I appreciate her inclusion of the various indigenous cultures and their memory rituals. I felt like this was done in a respectful way.
There were two downsides for me. First, I felt like the Dominic system was not explained well. It felt like she went too quickly into her example of how she used it, instead of explaining the method in a way that I could understand and do it myself. I will look elsewhere for a better explanation, as this method is used in multiple ways in her book. The second downside was that the book lends itself to a much more visual style than she uses. There should be more color illustrations throughout the text (not separated in the middle pages), and there should be more illustrations period (instead of trying to describe something that would more easily understood visually). This effect was worsened, in my case, by listening to the audiobook -- but even when I referenced the hard copy to see if an image was there, I was often disappointed. And while the audiobook narrator was pleasant enough, I felt like the book (with its numbers and lists, etc.) did not translate well to an audiobook format.
Still, I am definitely inspired by this book and already have a plan for the ambitious thing I'm going to memorize first!
She discusses a wide variety of memory techniques, with examples of how she has used different ones. I appreciate her inclusion of the various indigenous cultures and their memory rituals. I felt like this was done in a respectful way.
There were two downsides for me. First, I felt like the Dominic system was not explained well. It felt like she went too quickly into her example of how she used it, instead of explaining the method in a way that I could understand and do it myself. I will look elsewhere for a better explanation, as this method is used in multiple ways in her book. The second downside was that the book lends itself to a much more visual style than she uses. There should be more color illustrations throughout the text (not separated in the middle pages), and there should be more illustrations period (instead of trying to describe something that would more easily understood visually). This effect was worsened, in my case, by listening to the audiobook -- but even when I referenced the hard copy to see if an image was there, I was often disappointed. And while the audiobook narrator was pleasant enough, I felt like the book (with its numbers and lists, etc.) did not translate well to an audiobook format.
Still, I am definitely inspired by this book and already have a plan for the ambitious thing I'm going to memorize first!
March 4, 2020
Ever since reading Joshua Foer’s Moonwalking with Einstein, I have been transfixed by the memory feats people are capable of. Critically, the simply astonishing achievements of those at memory championships over the world are people of normal intelligence, most with below average working memories.
_________
As Memory Craft reiterates, there is no such thing as a “photographic memory”, science has proven this and not a single champion of an official memory competition exhibits any of these signs. Instead, each uses memory techniques used since ancient civilisation, the method of loci, or memory palaces.
_________
Lynne Kelly presents a follow-up to Memory Code with Memory Craft, this time more practical and sequential with a history lesson on the use of memory techniques. The findings are nearly impossible to comprehend, Indigenous Australians memorising the whole history of their civilisation through the use of memory palaces intertwined with art and dance, Maori’s etching the history of their tribes on staffs through shapes, passed down through generations. Even the medieval times are rich with memory palaces, texts were deliberately illustrative and verbose to be more memorable, tapestries presented stories in a visualisation of memory palaces, and even stained glass windows were used in churches to reinforce scripture.
_________
It shocks me that so many are unaware of what is possible through simple memory techniques, how much easier school or study would have been, and how promising these simple techniques are for those with dementia. Perhaps with the accessibility of information through Google and our phones, the art of memory is less needed. But think of the moments, details, names, even simple mental calculations, that memory has let us down. That would all be much easier with these simple techniques.
_________
Much like Foer in Moonwalking with Einstein, Kelly is a person of below-average memory, but proved the effectiveness of these techniques by winning the Australian memory championship with less than a year of training. For anyone who wants to have their mind blown, read this book.
_________
As Memory Craft reiterates, there is no such thing as a “photographic memory”, science has proven this and not a single champion of an official memory competition exhibits any of these signs. Instead, each uses memory techniques used since ancient civilisation, the method of loci, or memory palaces.
_________
Lynne Kelly presents a follow-up to Memory Code with Memory Craft, this time more practical and sequential with a history lesson on the use of memory techniques. The findings are nearly impossible to comprehend, Indigenous Australians memorising the whole history of their civilisation through the use of memory palaces intertwined with art and dance, Maori’s etching the history of their tribes on staffs through shapes, passed down through generations. Even the medieval times are rich with memory palaces, texts were deliberately illustrative and verbose to be more memorable, tapestries presented stories in a visualisation of memory palaces, and even stained glass windows were used in churches to reinforce scripture.
_________
It shocks me that so many are unaware of what is possible through simple memory techniques, how much easier school or study would have been, and how promising these simple techniques are for those with dementia. Perhaps with the accessibility of information through Google and our phones, the art of memory is less needed. But think of the moments, details, names, even simple mental calculations, that memory has let us down. That would all be much easier with these simple techniques.
_________
Much like Foer in Moonwalking with Einstein, Kelly is a person of below-average memory, but proved the effectiveness of these techniques by winning the Australian memory championship with less than a year of training. For anyone who wants to have their mind blown, read this book.
October 31, 2024
It is a fascinating book on how to remember things, i.e., on various techniques of how to do the art of memorising by use of (manily) the "memory palace" devices. Lynne Kelly is an educator and a science writer who has written her PhD thesis on various memory art techniques across times and cultures. This book is a slighly personal where she talks about her own experiences and techniques that she uses. It gives a very broad view on various techniques (it even has a table enlisting various techniqes and what are they mainly good for). A student for of memory craft will find a lot of inspiring information.
However, I have not given five stars because all too often I felt that something is missing. For instance she tells that she used special boards with attached shells and beads to remember things but fails to explain what exactly she does with that. Sometimes she gives just clues, but concrete examples are very useful, especially when one is just starting practicing and it is not yet clear how to proceed. But again - there are some excellent examples, for instance a full-colour bestiry alphabet and other drawings that she has herself used.
The book also felt a bit of a collection of everything - some chapters did not particularly fit into the whole story.
Anyway - I would recommend reading it if only for the range of techniques that one can use - starging from a classic memory palace, journey method (and using various palaces - from ones urban neighbourhood to one's own body), various aids, suggestions on learning language, song and dance (too little again on how to do the memorising with dance exactly) and so on.
However, I have not given five stars because all too often I felt that something is missing. For instance she tells that she used special boards with attached shells and beads to remember things but fails to explain what exactly she does with that. Sometimes she gives just clues, but concrete examples are very useful, especially when one is just starting practicing and it is not yet clear how to proceed. But again - there are some excellent examples, for instance a full-colour bestiry alphabet and other drawings that she has herself used.
The book also felt a bit of a collection of everything - some chapters did not particularly fit into the whole story.
Anyway - I would recommend reading it if only for the range of techniques that one can use - starging from a classic memory palace, journey method (and using various palaces - from ones urban neighbourhood to one's own body), various aids, suggestions on learning language, song and dance (too little again on how to do the memorising with dance exactly) and so on.
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