The Anatomy of Memory (Oxford, £20/$30, ISBN 0 19 507841 1) is
an astonishing anthology compiled by James McConkey. It is a rich spread of
writing about that ability of the brain to lie in wait, suddenly to spring the
past on us at a trivial stimulus—a smell, a fleeting glimpse. The
selections are remarkable pieces and vivid ones, so appetite is quickly
surfeited—a drawback, if it is one, of all good anthologies. But any
random foray into it will be rewarded.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
2
Sperm have been made magnetic to allow IVF inside the body
3
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
4
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
5
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
6
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
7
Arctic Ocean reaches tipping point that could be dire for marine life
8
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
9
Are useful and error-free quantum computers only two years away?
10
Nepal and Northern India are not overdue for a huge earthquake
