The Roots of Modern Social Psychology 1872-1954

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Summary: Review of Roots of Social Psychology by Farr
Review: The Roots of Modern Social Psychology by Robert M. Farr is an original and very interesting book. It is the best book I have read this Summer. It totally changed my view of the history of social psychology. It will change the way I teach social psychology. For instance, before reading Farr's book I would have named Kurt Lewin as the most influencial figure in the history of American social psychology. Now I believe that honor belongs to George Herbert Mead. Yes, can you imagine? Mead! Before reading Farr, I thought that social psychology got started in 1908, and was faught over by psychologists and sociologists from its birth. Farr has convinced me that my understanding is wrong. Early social psychology was very interdisciplinary. I really learned a lot from this book. I enjoyed reading Farr's opinions and critiques of other authors (including his treatment of the Handbook of Social Psychology). Nevertheless, Farr's book is not what I would call light reading. Farr probably didn't intend his book to be particularly easy to read (like an undergraduate textbook). Nevertheless, I found the writing style and the organization of chapters to be rather complicated. I think the book would be challenging (but rewarding) reading even for advanced students and professionals. Farr traces the roots of modern social psychology from Wundt in 1874 to Festinger and others around 1958. I wish Farr would write another book with his analysis of social psychology from 1958 to the present.