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Rating: 
Summary: At the Front of the Pack: An Appraisal of the Text
Review: "The focus of this book is the history of modern psychology, that period beginning in the late 19th century when psychology became a separate, independent discipline. Although we cannot ignore earlier philosophical thought, we concentrate on issues that relate directly to the establishment of psychology as a new and distinct field of study. We are presenting a history of modern psychology, not of psychology and all the philosophical work that preceded it" (Preface). The text is thorough in its task, recounting the movements of each school of thought and integrating a knowledge of the social context in which they evolved, recognizing that no such movement can develop as an independent entity, avoiding the philosophical climate of the times. The book "discuss[es] the contributions of the pivotal figures who shaped the field, noting that their work was influenced by the times in which they flourished and by the context of their own life experiences" (Preface). The text also discusses "each school of thought in terms of its connection to the scientific ideas and discoveries that precede and follow it. Each school evolved from or revolted against the existing order and in its turn inspired viewpoints that challenged, opposed, and eventually replaced it. With the hindsight of history, we can trace the pattern and the continuity of development of modern psychology" (Preface). The text is comprehensive, thorough, and illustrative in its presentation of modern psychology's evolutionary pathway, an excellent choice for undergraduate course study in the field. The seventh edition was published in 2000.
Rating: 
Summary: Adequate, yet not overbearing summation of modern psychology
Review: Schultz and Schultz offer a wonderful summation of the history of psychology. Many history of psychology texts are large and burdensome, but Schultz and Schultz sift out the waste and offer the facts. Interesting anecdotes about psychology's pioneers are offered, and the social climate surrounding the perspectives of each school of thought is also mentioned. All in all, this is a great book to have in the collection for the average historian of psychology. The authors, unfortunately, do present the information in a rather bland display. More color and layout effect would be useful and appealing. Furthermore, the chapter on the impact of women and minorities in psychology should not just be thrown on the end of the book ... it should be integrated throughout. Other than those two drawbacks, however, the book is wonderfully done.
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