.jpg) Cover of the first edition | |
| Author | Erik H. Erikson |
|---|---|
| Original title | Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Martin Luther |
| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company |
Publication date | 1958 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 288 (1962 Norton Library edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-393-00170-9 |
Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History is a 1958 book by the psychologist Erik Erikson. It was one of the first psychobiographies of a famous historical figure. Erikson found in Martin Luther a good model of his discovery of "the identity crisis". Erikson was sure he could explain Luther's spontaneous eruption, during a monastery choir practice, "I am not!"[1]
According to Erikson, Luther suffered through an environment that fomented crisis, and succeeded in a healthy resolution, thereby becoming more fulfilled than if the crisis had not been experienced. In the end Luther chose the obedient, provincial leadership path his father had wished for him, rather than the national fame he could have easily pursued after his celebrity and wealth, but only after Luther had disobeyed and suffered many years in an identity crisis.[1]
- ^ a b Butler-Bowdon, Tom (2007), 50 Psychology Classics: Who We Are, How We Think, What We Do; Insight and Inspiration From 50 Key Books. London & Boston: Nicholas Brealey, pp. 324. ISBN 978-1-85788-386-2. ch. 14