Despite ambivalence toward the ego psychology for which Erikson (1902-1994) is known, Burston (psychology, Duquesne U., Pittsburgh) analyzes his life and legacy. Starting naturally with
Erikson's childhood, he treats his break from Freud, adoption of the US, and such contributions as his concepts of psychosocial stages and identity crisis, and psychohistories of Luther and
Gandhi. The author defends Erikson's assumptions about a basic human nature and the nuclear family against postmodern attacks on such. Annotation 穢2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
(booknews.com)
