A History of Psychology in Letters » (2nd Edition)

Ludy T. Benjamin, Jr. is Professor of Psychology and Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University and is holder of the Glasscock Professorship and a Presidential Professorship in Teaching Excellence. His numerous publications include From Séance to Science: A History of the Profession of Psychology in America (with David Baker, 2004), A History of Psychology: Original Sources and Contemporary Research (edited, second edition 1997), and A Brief History of Modern Psychology (forthcoming from Blackwell).

The private thoughts, emotions, hopes, and frustrations contained in this collection of letters written by key figures in psychology provide rich insight into the development of the field. From John Locke writing parenting advice in 17th century Holland to Kenneth B. Clark responding to the impact of his research on the 19th century Brown v. Board decision, this book illustrates the history of the psychology in a direct, engaging manner.

• Uses primary source materials to provide students with a unique view of the story of psychology.


• Features an introduction to historiography, focusing on how historians use manuscript collections in their work.


• Includes chapter-opening material that explains the historical context, brief annotations to help clarify the content, and an epilogue that concludes these important stories in psychology.


• The second edition adds new annotations by Benjamin, giving greater life and dimension to the learning about the people and ideas that have influenced the development of psychology.