The purpose of this book is to bring together in one place and in an integrated fashion contemporary research on autobiographical memory. Included are chapters that use a general cognitive framework to understand the recollections people have for substantial portions of their lives. Taken as a whole, the book provides a tutorial on, and a context from which to view, our current understanding of autobiographical memory.

My role as editor was made easier, and much more enjoyable, by the cooperation and encouragement of my family, chapter authors, and publisher. Support during editing was provided by National Institute of Aging grant number AG04278. Portions of the book were presented during an invited symposium at the 92nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association and appeared in summary form in the September 1985 issue of Psychology Today.