How do we make decisions? How do we learn to speak? How does memory work? Why do our minds sometimes seem to turn against us? These are questions that have long preoccupied psychologists, who have tried to understand people's behavior, emotions, and thoughts. But how does one study such elusive things scientifically? Nicky Hayes tells the fascinating story of psychology through the centuries and around the world. She presents the most important theories, without omitting thinkers such as Carl Jung, Anna Freud, Franz Fanon, and Daniel Kahneman.
It clarifies key concepts such as child development, the inferiority complex, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while explaining how psychological research has been used for both good and evil. This Little History takes us on a journey through the world of an ever-evolving science and shows us how much we still have to learn. "A compelling, comprehensive, and remarkably well-written history of the science of psychology...A delightful introductory book that keeps the reader engaged. I highly recommend it." Robert Sternberg, professor of psychology, Cornell University "This captivating little story is essential reading for anyone interested in psychology. Hayes confidently, sensitively, and deeply guides the reader through the discovery of all its key aspects." Anna Katharina Schaffner, author of The Art of Self-Improvement "Nicky Hayes presents with freshness the ideas, findings, controversies, and personalities that have shaped the field of psychology." Howard Gardner, author of Five Minds for the Future.
