Psychobiography

A terrific exposition of a complex field. I'm frankly stunned by the range of examples James Anderson uses-and the detail and richness of the various points made along the way. It's clear he's spent an intellectual lifetime mastering this domain. The prose is crisp and bright; the readings of people astute. Buy this book! * William Todd Schultz, Professor of Psychology, Pacific University *
Anyone interested in the synergy between individual psychology, culture, and the historical moment should read this engaging meditation on psychohistory. With examples as diverse as Abraham Lincoln, Edith Wharton, and Donald Trump, Anderson explores how personal psychologies interact with context and era. Because his writing is open-hearted, lively, and utterly unpretentious, he has produced a real page-turner for readers who are fascinated by the reciprocal intersections among personality, creativity, literature, and politics. * Nancy McWilliams, Visiting Professor, Rutgers University *
Biographies and their first cousin, memoirs, cascade around us. Most fail the smell test of intellectual or psychological authenticity. James Anderson, in this excellent and welcome book, provides valuable criteria for evaluating studies that probe the self. That is no mean feat. It was once the case that the world scorned psychobiography. Now everyone does it on the sly. We need the wise counsel of James Anderson to guide the perplexed. * Charles B. Strozier, Professor of History, Graduate Center of the City University of New York *
As James Anderson suggests, it is time for an up-to-date book on the use of psychology in biography. He has provided a great one. It is both engaging and informative. It will prove an invaluable resource to both writers and readers of biography. * Alan C. Elms, Professor of Psychology, University of California, Davis *
James Anderson's book makes a compelling case for the revitalization of psychobiography, a genre that has sometimes been accused of formulaic applications of dogmatic psychoanalytic concepts. By contrast, Anderson's wide-ranging study counsels the use of contemporary, post-Freudian theory, sensitivity to culture, and understanding of authors' relationships with the people they write about. The result is an approach that gets at the complexities of inner life. Among many contributions to the understanding of culture, Psychobiography: In Seach of the Inner Life offers valuable insights into literary artists and the psychodynamics of creativity. * Maud Ellmann, Professor of English Literature, University of Chicago *