An Illustrated History of American Psychology.

POPPLESTONE, JOHN A., & McPHERSON, MARION WHITE. An Illustrated History of American Psychology. Akron, OH: University of Akron Press, 1999. Pp. 222. ISBN 1-884836-39-9. $29.95 PB.

Those of my generation were introduced to the history of psychology via the awesome breadth and depth of scholarship represented in the text by E. G. Boring. The volume revealed the history of ideas, events, issues, and finally the research, which became psychology. Since then, many books on the history of the field have appeared, each with a distinctive perspective and purpose. Some, but not all, include a few selected photos of the people and laboratories deemed important to the times. This book provides photographs and illustrations that enable one to visualize the people and activities that were psychology at important cross sections of time in its formative years.

The priority for inclusion of some images was their relevance to history not photographic quality. A few are dark and their details difficult to discern, but they are authentic, representative of the period in which they were taken, and communicate their importance to history. The narrative descriptions are lean and objective. It is repeatedly clear that the authors have gone to great pains to assure the authenticity and accuracy of their attributions. Because the material depicted is from the Archives of the History of American Psychology the instruments and artifacts are often the originals employed by the professionals whose contributions were formative for the discipline.

For me, and I believe for many others, the volume will also serve as a personal photo album. Although most of the historical illustrations precede my generation in the profession, the early work of those who were my mentors, and those whose work influenced mine are represented there. Reminding me of my days as a student of Winthrop Kellogg for example, the cover photo of Donald and Gua, not only recalled the Kelloggs' projects but it reveals the similarity of facial expression between Donald and his father.

The book cannot stand alone as a history of psychology but for those who are reading in the history, or those who teach or have worked for a few decades in the profession, it is a valuable resource, and welcome acquisition.

The authors and publishers have purposely produced it to be affordable. I recommend it as a required supplement to the primary text for courses in the history of psychology and as a valuable addition to the library of professionals in the field.