The Pelman System of Mind and Memory Training. Text Book No. 1 [-12].

ENNEVER, William Joseph.

Published by London: The Pelman System of Mind and Memory, 1914

About this Item

First editions of 12 textbooks elucidating the Pelman system of mental training, specially bound for presentation to a proponent of the system, with the front cover lettered in gilt "presented by 'The Daily News' to L. G. Chiozza Money Esq., M.P.". The Pelman system was devised in the 1890s by William Joseph Ennever, and taught via correspondence from the Pelman Institute in London. The system sought to scientifically train the mind just as physical exercise trains the body. In so doing, the system promised to cure problems including forgetfulness, phobias, depression, and procrastination. The system was practised by many leading figures of the day, including prime minister Herbert Asquith, Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell, novelist Sir Rider Haggard, and playwright Jerome K. Jerome. It remained in vogue until the 1930s. Then, as now, it was generally seen with scepticism by the psychiatric establishment - it was heavily marketed and prominent individuals were paid to espouse it. The Daily News partnered with the Pelman institute and offered readers access to the system at half the usual fees. Leo Chiozza Money (1870-1944) was an Italian economic theorist who moved to Britain in the 1890s and came to some prominence on the political scene, serving as Liberal MP from 1906 to 1918 and acting as David Lloyd George's parliamentary private secretary. Chiozza Money was a public supporter of the Pelman system and was quoted in newspaper advertisements, for example: "Pelmanism supplies what our unfortunate educational methods, as applied to both rich and poor, fail to give" (in the Daily Herald, 20 May 1924). This attractive volume, finely bound by the leading British bookbinders Zaehnsdorf as a gift, perhaps reflects the encouragement that prominent figures were given to promote the system. 12 works bound in a single vol., tall slim octavo (203 x 97 mm). With folding examination sheet at end of each. Contemporary red morocco by Zaehnsdorf, gilt in compartments, spine and front cover lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Original wrappers for each textbook bound in. Very minimal darkening to morocco, contents clean. An excellent copy.

Seller Inventory # 165958

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Pelman System of Mind and Memory Training. Text Book No. 1 [-12].
• Publisher: London: The Pelman System of Mind and Memory, 1914
• Edition: 1st Edition