Erikson, whose work first described for us the now familiar concepts of "identity crisis" and "life cycle" provided us with an unprecedented framework for regarding the workings of the individual psyche within society and culture. Unveiling a dynamic process of psychological developmental, he emphasized the tendency toward growth and the integration of multiple influences -- the biological, social, psychological, cultural, and historical. Erikson's work thus provides a critical bridge for fathoming the psychological of the individual in modern society.

With writings from Erikson's entire career, including major work from Childhood and Society, Insight and Responsibility, Young Man Luther, and Gandbi's Truth, this reader charts the influence of his thinking on child psychology, development through the lifespan, leadership, and moral growth.