A valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of memory. This text discusses the development of long-term memory, including autobiographical memory, and argues that memory is an adaptive mechanism for the development and survival of humans and non-human animals.

Part I: The Significance and Earliest Signs of Early Memory ; 1. On the Importance of Studying Early Memory ; 2. Studying Memory in Nonverbal Human Organisms ; 3. Neurobiological Development and the Beginnings of Early Memory ; Part II: Infantile Amnesia, Autobiographical Memory, and the Remembering Self ; 4. Infantile Amnesia in Human and Nonhuman Animals ; 5. The Onset and Early Development of Autobiographical Remembering ; 6. Consciousness and Early Memory Development ; Part III: The Role of Distinctiveness, Emotion, Stress, and Trauma in Memory Development ; 7. Distinctiveness and Emotion in Early Memory Development ; 8. Chronic Stress and Maltreatment in Early Memory Development ; 9. Children's False Memory Illusions ; Part IV: The Adaptive Nature of Memory and its Development ; 10. Evolutionary and Adaptive Significance of the Genesis and Early Development of Memory ; References ; Author Index

"Howe's book is mainly relevant for researchers, psychologists, students of psychology and clinicians, but should and will appeal to everyone genuinely interested in the development of children's memories and their fate throughout the ontogenesis. Overall, the book is a scholarly achievement: it is well written, clearly structured and throughout backed up by an impressive number of up-to-date references. I can recommend the book to anyone interested in the fascinating topic of memory development." -- Peter Krøjgaard, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, Memory Studies "The book is appropriate for researchers and graduate students interested in memory, as well as for those interested in applied aspects of childhood memory. It should also tempt scholars in other domains who are interested in an adroit overview of the current field of memory development. It is a fine example of critically combining review, synthesis, and argument/interpretation. The Nature of Early Memory is a thought-provoking tour guide along the intricacies of Memory Lane." -- Marie T. Balaban, PsycCRITIQUES "The Nature of Early Memory is an outstanding review of what we now know about the emergence of memory, coupled to stimulating and deep theoretical thinking about memory development through evolutionary history, across species, and in the individual. It will become a standard text for all those interested in how our memories come into being." -- Martin A. Conway, The Psychologist

Selling point: This text presents a theory of memory as an adaptation, applied to real-world problems Selling point: This text gives special attention to the role of stress in memory development, including Post Traumatic Stress and maltreatment

Selling point: This text presents a theory of memory as an adaptation, applied to real-world problems Selling point: This text gives special attention to the role of stress in memory development, including Post Traumatic Stress and maltreatment