New Book on Memory in Literature and Neuroscience by Noted
Long Island University Literary Scholar

September 13, 2004 – “Memory in Literature: From Rousseau to Neuroscience,” Suzanne Nalbantian’s cutting-edge study of the way literature reveals the physical workings of the brain was released in paperback this week in the United States.

Nalbantian, a professor of comparative literature at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, explores how literature can be used to examine the ways humans encode, store and retrieve memory. She analyzes the classic works of such writers as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marcel Proust, Virginia Woolf, Andre Breton, William Faulkner and Octavio Paz. She collects and interprets data on memory processes involving emotions, the senses, short- and long-term memory, the unconscious mind, environmental associations and involuntary vs. voluntary memory.

“Literature provides a valuable opportunity for capturing episodes of memory,” Nalbantian said. “The literary masters are worthy scientific subjects due to their heightened sensitivity and powers of observation, combined with their superior ability to communicate their experiences.”

“Memory in Literature” (Palgrave Macmillan, $24.95) has been widely acclaimed since it was published in hardcover in January 2003.

“This spirited and fascinating tour de force gives real meaning to the term "interdisciplinary," writes Gerald Gillespie, professor emeritus of comparative literature at Standford University, in the fall-winter 2004 issue of the “Yearbook of Comparative and General Literature.”

“In this book, Suzanne Nalbantian boldly ushers in a new way of writing about literature,” said Jean-Michel Rabate, professor of English and comparative literature at the University of Pennsylvania. “She bridges the gap between literary criticism and the neurosciences by focusing in the phenomenon of memory as a site of interdisciplinary interaction.”

Nalbantian has lectured on the connection between neuroscience and literature at Indiana University, the University of Georgia, Stanford University and The University Club in New York City. In September 2003, she lectured jointly at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory with Tim Tully, the groundbreaking neuroscientist who is working to develop treatments for memory loss.

To purchase copies of “Memory in Literature” contact 888-330-8477 or visit www.palgrave-usa.com.