"Of all memories, those of emotionally arousing events tend to be the best remembered. Here, James L. McGaugh, who has long been at the forefront of research into the neurobiology of learning, explains why this is. Along the way he reveals exactly what we know, and what still remains mysterious, about this most fascinating of subjects. Against a historical background, from the first scientific studies of learning just over a century ago to the latest cutting-edge research, he asks many intriguing questions: how are memories made and preserved? Are long-term memories simply rehearsed and strengthened short-term memories? Why do most experiences fade and disappear with time, and would it be a good thing if they didn't? How do stress hormones influence the consolidation of memories and might drugs improve our ability to learn? What do studies of extraordinary memories and disorders tell us about the workings of the brain systems involved in memory formation?

And lastly, why is remembering a creative act that can, and often does, produce faulty memories of our experiences?"--BOOK JACKET.