History of Psychology

This was the textbook I used for my history and systems in psychology class with Dr. Hothersall (yes, he taught the course as well). I thoroughly enjoyed reading the philosophical antecedents that led to the development of the various schools of psychology. Unlike other textbooks, Hothersall's writing style is not pedantic but shows tremendous erudition in every subject he touches.

I couldn't agree more with the other reviews. This was my textbook for a graduate course in the history of psychology. I hate history, typically. I can't remember anything because names and dates go in one ear and out the other. But Hothersall's ability to humanize all of the people described in the book made the book very readable, and even easy for me to remember. I recommend this to professors looking to teach a history course as well as people who are interested in the history of psychology but want something they can almost read like a novel.

This was the course text for my History of Psychology course. I came into the field knowing relatively nothing, having only had the intro. I found this book very informative and easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the background stories Hothersall gave on the people, finding that this made the people more human. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is really good.

Dr. Hothersall has captured a unique balance between the concepts and the personalities key to the history and systems of psychology. While his work is used as a text in many undergraduate programs, Dr. Hothersall is an eminently readable author. This book will keep anyone with an interest in psychology interested. He not only provides the facts, but the story behind the facts. For example, we find not just the story of how J.B. Watson formulated the first popular theories on behaviorism (which influenced young B.F. Skinner) but we find out some early childhood experiences that may have encouraged his break with "traditional" psychology. And, Dr. Hothersall fills us in on Watson's Madison Avenue years where, among other contributions, he initiated the first celebrity endorsements for products. This book is filled with the stories that make psychology unique.