Hans Eysenck

(Paperback)

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One of the most popular and controversial scientists of the 20th century, Hans Eysenck had a major impact on psychology and society. Who was this charismatic and sometimes divisive figure, and why is he so relevant to science in the 21st century Hans Eysenck (1916 1997) was a key figure in psychology, and his legacy still provokes varied and passionate responses. With interests that ranged from personality and intelligence to sex and violence in the media, Eysenck was unafraid to tackle contentious subjects of social and political importance. In the centenary of Eysenck's birth, Philip Corr explores the life and research of this contradictory and intriguing psychologist. With access to some of the people that were closest to Eysenck during his lifetime, Corr considers the scientific and historical contexts and assesses the continuing relevance of Eysenck's work.

Reviews

'Philip Corr's enjoyable book on this giant of psychology is neither hagiography nor demolition job. It is fair. Corr celebrates and criticises Eysenck's work, and helps us to understand the man who was and is both hero and villain.' - Professor Ian Deary, University of Edinburgh 'An illuminating and incisive book: Philip Corr masterfully captures the complex and contrary genius of Hans Eysenck. This biographical account of one of the giants of twentieth century psychology reveals the person and the science, and the passions that both provoked.' - Professor Gerald Matthews, University of Central Florida 'This is a very important and very well written book. It is more than a psycho-biography and I found it quite 'un-put-downable'. Philip Corr has been meticulous in this research and has written a fascinating and very balanced account of a complex and brilliant psychologist.' - Professor Adrian Furnham, University College London 'This book is fascinating reading for anyone interested in the topic of personality as it shows how Hans Eysenck overcame decades of adversity to forge the science of personality as we know it today.' - Dr Adam Perkins, King's College London 'An amazing scientific biography of Hans Eysenck - so comprehensive, relevant, quotable, inspirational, and written in my favorite style. The biographer left me a space to form my own opinion on Eysenck, my 'own sub-title of his biography'. This is a must read!' Dr Malgorzata Fajkowska, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences 'The writing is simple and easy to read, the coverage is comprehensive, and the biography conveys a three-dimensional picture of this most complex and enigmatic of psychologists.' - Professor Andrew Colman, University of Leicester 'The author, Philip Corr, is a world-leading personality researcher and someone who knew Eysenck well, allowing him to give a rare integration of Eysenck's personal and professional biography. Readers will discover clear and informed evaluations of Eysenck's intellectual and social contributions, along with personal insights obtained from both direct experience and discussions with those who knew him best.' - Dr Arthur Poropat, Griffith University, Australia 'Hans Eysenck was an extraordinary man and scientist and touched many areas of psychological science during his career. Prof Philip Corr, a leading authority in a number of the research areas in which Eysenck so powerfully stamped his own mark, has done an admirable job bringing the many facets of Hans Eysenck's professional and personal worlds together in this thoughtful and informative volume.' - Dr Gary Lewis, University of York

Author Bio

Philip Corr is Professor of Psychology at City University London, UK. His research interests cover personality neuroscience and behavioural economics. Philip's doctoral research tested Hans Eysenck's theory of personality, and he shared a desk with him for three months during his time as a student at the Institute of Psychiatry.