The Memory Chalet

The Memory Chalet is a mnemonic device Tony Judt uses to collect and store his memories. Because Judt is unable to write or type, he must imagine that he is walking through his childhood chalet depositing memories like furniture to be recollected the next time he walks through the rooms. This has proved to be an effective tool for Judt, and this is how he collected each of the memories discussed in the collection.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the disease Tony Judt suffers from. He was struck down by this disease at the age of sixty and will likely die from its side effects very soon. The disease is also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease because it affected the famous baseball player. ALS slowly begins to paralyze the patient, starting with a digit or two before claiming and entire limb...