Rating: 
Summary: I passed the bar exam with the memory book
Review: Well, it was a very OLD edition of the memory book, cira 1976. But back in 1976 I did memorize the ENTIRE BRI bar exam course book, a huge outline of the law. No kidding, I could recite the entire outline, using a slight modification of Harry Lorraine's techniques. As a fellow law student said while I was giving a demonstration, "it's a trick!" Exactly, it is a trick. Memorizing doesn't help you UNDERSTAND what you are reciting. But you won't forget it, short term. The other caveat is, having memorized it, you do have to PRACTICE recalling it. Lorraine's techniques, at least circa 1976, didn't result in immediate storage into long-term memory. That requires recalling the information repeatedly. Also, the techniques themselves require practice, just as developing any other skill does. The work is only justified if you have a need to memorize a little data often, or a lot of data at least occasionally.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book, but be prepared to invest some time
Review: It's a fantastic book that will help you instantly to memorize all 50 states in alphabetical order or any number of items on a shopping list (even two days later). But be prepared to spend some time and effort until you will be able to make the system work for you for some "real-life" challenges like giving a speech, improving reading abilities, or memorize difficult vocabularies of a foreign language. If you make the decision to do so, the techniques described will add a lot of value in all areas of your life, especially for those who suffer from a poor memory. The text and the dialogues are written nicely, so it is actually fun to read. Also, the chapters are categorized into specific abilities, like name remembering, again, speeches, etc., which makes it easy to pick your own selection without reading the entire book.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable techniques
Review: This book definately requires work. It is a "How To" guide which will only be effective if the reader is committed to putting in the work of practicing the techniques explained. I think one of the most interesting aspects of this is that good memory, like many other things, can be a LEARNED skill.
I found this book after searching specifically for a helpful one to improve my poor memory. In particular, I went from being a very good law student who was a capable researcher and writer and preformed well on essay exams in school, and even won a competitive moot court competition based on advocacy skills, to a JD who failed the BAR Exam multiple times due to an inability to remember details and jargon. After time with every legal study aid possible, I turned to resources to improve my memory. While I unfortunately can't yet say I have passed the BAR exam, I can say that I have noticed a significant improvement in my relationship with my husband and others as I have become more attentinve to remembering details and with the techniques in this book thus have become a more dependable person. In the past when he or anyone else asked me to do things, though I was well intentioned and sincere in my "Yes", I had a serious problem with follow up due to inattentiveness and poor memory skills. This book was most helpful as an aid to overcoming those limitations and assisited me in becoming a more responsible and less absentminded irritating person to be around.
As a serious, logical, pragmatic person, this book was helpful in specificallly giving me the prompt to think of silly associations with the specific intent of remembering items. That would be something I wouldn't have ever NATURALLY done on my own! In discussing it with others I have found that many people ALREADY utilize many of the memory techniques described, and they were surprised these were new to me. This book is most helpful for those of us who just haven't gotton into those habits. As someone who NEVER could even remember any of those numonics throughout school it was a relief to discover that there are other techniques which are more effective for me. The book also discusses how memory and intelligence are distinct, and that the problem of poor memory, and in particular absentmindedness is one of not being fully consious in the moment. It is helpful in identifying the source of many memory problems is simply not being in the habit of focusing on the mundane with full attention. Making that ASSUMPTION that something is "simple" and "easy" and therefore doesn't require much time and attention is a trap I more consiously avoid after employing the techniques of this book. The disctinction between intellegence and memory is one which I feel is helpful as it validates those of us who have great capacity to understand things easily, but little capacity to recall. That distinction made me as reader feel more empowered to use memory as a TOOL, and I believe offers needed encouragement to anyone who has struggled in either work, school or their personal life due to poor memory skills.
Rating:
Summary: classic
Review: If I were to recommend a book for getting a great introduction to increasing memory, I would recommend this book. A classic in the field. In this book are techniques for memorizing numbers, faces, learning music, absentmindedness, sports, stock market, reading, speeches, long-digit numbers, playing cards, appointments, weekly/monthly mind calendars, and more.All these techniques do work. Although, having tried many of these techniques there are newer improvements to be seen elsewhere, mostly in newer memory books. However, the amount of techniques, and Harry's ways for using them are tried-and-tested, creative, and do work! Kudos Harry for your many memory books! Why I like about memory books is they should be proactive. I merely try the techniques and see if they work, and that is what I have done with many memory books. That is why I do like this classic book. Although some of the techniques have been improved upon now, this does not degrade this book; I see it as an improvement upon it. What I like about this book is the everyday use of Harry's techniques. He shows how he has used them in everyday use. He doesn't give much memory theory behind them he just basically explains and then shows the techniques for how they apply to everyday life. One of the improvement areas would be Harry's technique for remembering numbers; it's called the Phonetic System. This outdated system is now replaced with merely associating every number with your own picture, for example mine are: 00 = bicycle, 3 = camel, 89 = confetti, etc. But most of the other techniques in the book are tested and very valuable. Harry's chapter 23 on reading is a fine one, rather short but to the point. Harry walks us through a short paragraph of Tanzam Railway in Zambia, and shows us how he uses vivid pictures linking the different sentences, and words together. A rather slow approach at first visualizing almost every word. I have discovered newer research, and with my own practice you can visualize vividly and read logically at the same time, akin to left and right brain reading at the same time. Other books have mentioned this type of reading. Harry does not seem to employ speed reading of any sort, (or even recommend it) I would imagine speed reading and Harry's style can be used together. I personally see no conflict here. Harry's example in his reading chapter (23) does work, I would recommend trying it for yourself. Also Harry states in the chapter: "the first few times you apply the systems to technical reading material, they will slow down your reading rate. On the other hand, you won't have to spend time going over the material again and again. And as you apply the system, you see that you'll eventually be reading close to your normal reading speed--and reading the material only once. And as your proficiency increases, so will your "normal" reading speed. Harry's chapter 22: Music for beginners is another nice chapter. I always say "Why didn't I think of that" because of the simplicity of the technique. After reading the chapter, you may see learning music completely different, and very easy too. Why wasn't I taught this way? Harry's later chapters are built upon some of his opening chapters because of the techniques he specifically uses. Harry's beginning techniques are used in later chapters. Learning Foreign languages seems to be one of Harry's strong points as well. He uses a substitute word game to link foreign words to words you already know. An outstanding technique for learning languages. In His video (below) he also shows this method. If interested in learning languages please check out the rather unknown author Michael Gruneberg, books: "Spanish by Association, or "French by Association." Audio & book series. The same association techniques Harry Lorayne uses are used in "Spanish by Association". I have used the audio version of "Spanish by Association" with tremendous effectiveness. HIGHLY recommended. Harry also has a very good, but scarce video called "Memory power: secrets to remembering names & faces". A lengthy video where Harry talks about memory systems and shows off his prowess as a user of them. The video is mainly about remembering names & faces but other areas are talked about. I find this video a great refresher course when I need to brush up on my PEG. Harry also talks about foreign languages and gives some examples. Highly recommended video, but not highly available. Well a lot more could be said but that's about it for me. I do recommend other memory books before reading The Memory Book, but Harry's book is very useful and full of techniques, and is up in my Top 4 or 5 of suggested reading for memory books. A classic, and what a price! :-)
Rating: 
Summary: A solid book on memory techniques
Review: This book has all the memory techniques that are typically taught in memory courses and other memory books. Even if they are sometimes introduced by other names, all of the techniques are variants and combinations of word-substitution (mostly used for foreign words, but also people's names and words that can't easily be pictured), link, peg, loci (sometimes called Roman Room technique) and phonetic (letter for number substitution) systems. The book is mostly re-hashed information that has been presented earlier (even by Lorayne himself), but the writing style makes it a book worth keeping. The real strength of this book over others of its kind is the dialog between Lucas and Lorayne. They are fun to read and almost never get boring. There are anecdotes to at the beginning of most chapters and spread throughout the book. Personally, I found Kenneth Higbee's "Your Memory" a better book, it's more complete a reference and gives much more of the why of memory rather than just the how of remembering. Depending on your needs, you might like this book more, it's got more examples on how to use the systems it introduces and is much lighter and a little less dry, although Higbee's book is very readable. As with every other memory book, the techniques take time to learn and take considerable effort, but work very well. For a book on memory techniques, this book doesn't dissapoint.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable techniques
Review: This book definately requires work. It is a "How To" guide which will only be effective if the reader is committed to putting in the work of practicing the techniques explained. I think one of the most interesting aspects of this is that good memory, like many other things, can be a LEARNED skill.
I found this book after searching specifically for a helpful one to improve my poor memory. In particular, I went from being a very good law student who was a capable researcher and writer and preformed well on essay exams in school, and even won a competitive moot court competition based on advocacy skills, to a JD who failed the BAR Exam multiple times due to an inability to remember details and jargon. After time with every legal study aid possible, I turned to resources to improve my memory. While I unfortunately can't yet say I have passed the BAR exam, I can say that I have noticed a significant improvement in my relationship with my husband and others as I have become more attentinve to remembering details and with the techniques in this book thus have become a more dependable person. In the past when he or anyone else asked me to do things, though I was well intentioned and sincere in my "Yes", I had a serious problem with follow up due to inattentiveness and poor memory skills. This book was most helpful as an aid to overcoming those limitations and assisited me in becoming a more responsible and less absentminded irritating person to be around.
As a serious, logical, pragmatic person, this book was helpful in specificallly giving me the prompt to think of silly associations with the specific intent of remembering items. That would be something I wouldn't have ever NATURALLY done on my own! In discussing it with others I have found that many people ALREADY utilize many of the memory techniques described, and they were surprised these were new to me. This book is most helpful for those of us who just haven't gotton into those habits. As someone who NEVER could even remember any of those numonics throughout school it was a relief to discover that there are other techniques which are more effective for me. The book also discusses how memory and intelligence are distinct, and that the problem of poor memory, and in particular absentmindedness is one of not being fully consious in the moment. It is helpful in identifying the source of many memory problems is simply not being in the habit of focusing on the mundane with full attention. Making that ASSUMPTION that something is "simple" and "easy" and therefore doesn't require much time and attention is a trap I more consiously avoid after employing the techniques of this book. The disctinction between intellegence and memory is one which I feel is helpful as it validates those of us who have great capacity to understand things easily, but little capacity to recall. That distinction made me as reader feel more empowered to use memory as a TOOL, and I believe offers needed encouragement to anyone who has struggled in either work, school or their personal life due to poor memory skills.
Rating:
Summary: Thanks to this book...I memorize whatever I want...
Review: Thank you Harry that you changed my life.
I remember when few years ago I have read this book translated to my original language. Now after few years of research I am Memory Development Specialist teaching others how to memorize... I remember when I was young and memorizing new words from English was soo difficult and time consuming. When I applied Harrys systems (which are ancient to be truth) my life has changed for much easier, safer and better.
I am an actor, and also I was the only Polish Ventriloquist...
It is nightmare to forget your lines on the stage! But now I can remember them forwards and backwards and recall as easy as ABC. Harry is a good teacher. Old methods taught professionally by Harry.
There are of course some things you will learn only if you work with yourself.
This book is a key to open the door... the gate to Gemius Inside!
I have met some guys telling that this system does not work...but to be truth- they DID NOT work! They even did not apply the system to check it!
This system if does not work- WORKS!
Rating:
Summary: Best for the average person
Review: For a person with average who has little concept of the power of imagination and creativity, and who generally views it as being something childish, this is a great book. For a person with above average control and understanding of imagination and creativity, this is a sorry adaptation of 'The Art of memory'.
For the average person this is a great book. It helps build imaginative power and a little creativity as well. It describes that the best way to remember things is to build a mental image of interaction between the various facts you're required to remember. It recommends that the more ridiculous the image, the easier it is to remember which is true (and should only be applied in special situations), but if taken to seriously then with every new image you create you'll constantly be trying to 'out-do' the previous image you created to remember something else. You'll be forced to imagine images that are so out landish that it'll cense to trigger your memory. That's how I see it and like everything in your life, a word of caution can be said that you shouldn't take it to seriously and try to remain grounded. This book takes no effort in helping you to understand what it is you're remembering. For the best I suppose because that isn't the purpose of the book (for an easy method of understanding, read my review of The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's...). I do compliment them for their complete lack of fluff or Anthony Robbins b.s.. They are straight forward and don't attempt to sell you anything. They certainly don't try to motivate you or make you believe that all of life's problems can be solved if only you had a better memory. A great memory is a tool, not a solution for life. For the person with above average imaginative abilities you're better off reading the more in depth 'Art of Memory' which is literary classic and is everything but a light read. The 'Art of Memory' is far more complicated and in-depth in it's description and style of memory techniques (better might I add). But to use 'The Art of Memory' techniques requires a high amount of visual processing by the mind eye and a good deal of discipline, but worth it. It is not for the faint of heart. But if you're looking for a read that is quick and fast and has little or no historical back ground (not necessary a bad thing I'm only stating that facts), then this is your book. If you're a busy person and time is money, then this is your book. I do believe that the technique that is describes is the best. Everything else is probably new age [stuff]. Final analysis: All though weak in it's description of the technique in comparison with is predecessor, it's content is far more accurate and use ability than is peers. In short: the best of it's kind.
Rating:
Summary: Best book I'd ever read!
Review: This is my story! I was pretty much a failure in school. i was a D student and only got the D's because the teachers felt pity on me. I'm in my third year of college and college has pretty much been a failure. So my plan was if I don't do good, i will join the military. Luckily, I was just surfing and found this book. I bought it and after skimming through the book to get a feel of what it's about, I've started to realize that this is probably going to be the best book I'd ever read and it was! I couldn't believe that nobody in my family had discovered this! This book changed my whole study habit and my life. It changed the way I think. Sadly, just as it stated in the book, people are just not interested in the idea of memeory improvement. I don't blame them because I was the same. People tend to believe that a good memory is inborn. I'd refer this book to 2 of my good friends, but they were uninterested. SAD! Anyways, I waited a whole semester before writing a review and now i am writing it. I got all B's in my classes and one A. I've never gotten such good grades and let me tell you, most people would tell you that i'm lazy, but at the same time, ask me how I did so well. I couldn't believe that I was doing better than the kids who I thought were so smart. I'd put less effort than them, but achieved better results. I have not use the full potential of this book and i'm doing very well. Though this is a great book, I wouldn't suggest it be the only book you read. Read as many books as you can and put all the useful information together. If only somebody had taught me these techniques when I was younger, but i'm not going to dwell on the past. I'm grateful to find such a wonderful book while i'm young. Some people will never learn about this and that's going to affect their next generations. One thought that came to my mind is that we humans been around for thousands of years, yet probably many people don't even know what the word "mnemonic" means. Many people never learn these techniques. Anybody who learn it is very fortunate! Very! Buy the book! It's only about 10 bucks or so but the benefits are pricelss.
Rating:
Summary: Great memory techniques -- could use minor improvements
Review: This classic by Lorayne and Lucas is worthy of recommendation to any new student of memory systems. I do, however, wish that the authors had covered the power of the Loci system with greater detail. It is utilized by world-class memorizers to set new records in memory competitions. And the system I employed to set a new U.S. record in card memorization cannot even be found in this book. All the other memory systems and techniques explained by Lorayne and Lucas are excellent. In my opinion, as long as this book is not the only memory guide in your library, it will serve you very well.
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