John Bowly - His Early Life : A Biographical Journey into the Roots of Attachment Theory Book

In an insightful treatment of the early years of John Bowlby's life and work, Suzan van Dijken sheds light on a number of events that are linked to the eventual creation of attachment theory but have not yet been written about. In addition, she provides new information about topics that Bowlby was quite reluctant to discuss in detail, whether in public or in private, and yet are clearly connected to Bowlby's later life and theoretical pursuits.

This biographical portrait covers Bowlby's family of origin, his upbringing, schooling and later education, his little-known work with Cyril Burt, his introduction to psychoanalysis, and his involvement in some of the major events in that world, including the Controversial Discussions between Anna Freud and Melanie Klein.

This new work brings a new perspective to the history of attachment theory and on how Bowlby's personal history is intertwined with it and will be of great interest to the many people who have been inspired by Bowlby's work. It will also give caution to anyone trying to interpret a lite's work without beginning at the very start.