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Looking for the best books on memory improvement? You’re in the right place.

I spent a lot of time knee-deep in books on memory while studying Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology at Oxford. And I spent even more time recently writing a series of book summaries and articles on the topic.

The outcome? A mega-list of over 100 books on memory and memory improvement, spanning thousands of years of collective human knowledge.

To save you the trouble, I’ve shortlisted the best of those titles below. The resulting list includes 30 great books on memory split across 8 different categories:

PRACTICAL BOOKS ON MEMORY

THEORETICAL BOOKS ON MEMORY

AND LASTLY: 4 Superb Memory Themed Novels

Where should you start? Think of this list like a menu. No one expects you to have everything. Instead, jump to a section that grabs you, choose a dish that excites you and don’t over think it. (You can always come back for more later.)

In the coming years, I’ll be reading every book below to pass on the best ideas in articles and summaries. If that sounds like something you’d like to join us for (and you’re not already onboard), sign up to the free newsletter to get my best articles, book summaries and reading lists directly to your inbox.

Oh, and one last thing. If you enjoyed what you found here today, I can strongly recommend checking out this FREE memory improvement kit over at my friend Anthony’s excellent website. If you’re the kind of person that needs videos and structure to learn properly, his work is a great place to start!

But for now, here they are, the very best books on memory improvement to help you master anything faster.

BOOKS ON MEMORY TECHNIQUES

These books on memory techniques are full of instant tips, tricks and techniques for improving memory. If mnemonics, memory palaces and mindmaps are what you’re after, this is the right place to start.

BOOKS ON IMPROVING MEMORY

These books on improving memory go beyond mnemonic techniques for a more holistic view of brain health and function. Read these for some great ways to improve memory through diet, exercise, focus and energy management.

The eagle-eyed may notice that Josh Foer’s popular Moonwalking With Einstein hasn’t appeared in these sections. It’s tricky, because though it’s about memory, it’s neither very practical nor a novel, so it doesn’t really have a place on these lists. That said, it’s a great read on Josh’s journey from memory novice to 2006 U.S.A. memory champion. Check out the link at the start of this paragraph or read my summary here.

MEMORY BOOKS FOR STUDENTS

Though you’ll find a lot of great tips in the books above, these memory books were written especially with students in mind. They focus on structuring knowledge, learning effectively from books and lectures and passing exams.

MEMORY TRAINING AND BRAIN-GAME BOOKS

The best way to improve your memory is to use it. And, with a little thought, you’ll find more interesting and practical uses for memory and learning than you could get through in a thousand lifetimes. But whether you simply love puzzles, or just really can’t think of a better way to use your time, these memory training and brain-game books will do more for your memory than sitting in front of the television.

SCIENCE BOOKS ABOUT MEMORY

The psychology and physiology of memory are my favourite parts of the topic. If neurones, synapses and aphasias are what float your boat, get stuck in below to learn all that we currently know about how memory works.

HISTORY BOOKS ABOUT MEMORY

Before paper, wide-spread literacy and computers our memories were far better than they are today. The books below explore the fascinating history of memory and mnemonic techniques in a time when our collective, living memories were out most vital source of activity, knowledge and progress.

PHILOSOPHY BOOKS ABOUT MEMORY

What am I if not just a collection of experiences and memories? And if my memory of an event is different from yours, what really happened? In the books below you’ll find these and many more brain twisting questions asked, debated and answered.

MEMORY THEMED NOVELS

What happens when your memories get lost? What would life be like if you could never form a new memory again? Sometimes the best way to explore the questions philosophers can’t answer is by imagining those questions play out.

BEFORE YOU GO

If you enjoyed the book recommendations above, you will almost certainly love this reading list of 70 Books on Learning How to Learn. It’s full of summaries and was created with the help of leading writers in the space – including Coursera’s “Learning How to Learn” super-coach Barabara Oakley.

Check it out, let me know what you think of this list in the comments.

Until then, happy reading!