The Lives of Erich Fromm

"The brilliantly comprehensive study of psychoanalyst Erich Fromm’s (1900–1980) many “lives” as a clinician, philosopher, social critic and political activist...Academic biography at its best."

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Although there are some books on Fromm, none approach the depth and comprehensiveness of Friedman's work. Love's Prophet is based on research on … sources that no other scholars have used. It details Fromm’s… perhaps unconscious decision to eschew an academic career and become—even if he would not use the term—a public intellectual."

—Gerald N. Grob, Henry E. Sigerist Professor of the History of Medicine (Emeritus), Rutgers University

"Full of interesting material about Fromm’s background, extensive intellectual contacts, political and psychoanalytic activities, and the range of his thinking that many readers will not know—certainly I did not know."

—Dorothy Ross, Arthur O. Lovejoy Professor Emerita of History, Johns Hopkins University

"Thanks to Lawrence Friedman's comprehensive and subtle protrait of Erich Fromm, a new generation of readers will be inspired to explore Fromm's life and works. He was an idealist, but never naive or out of touch with what might be possible if only individual societies or government officials had the courage to face the dangerous possibilities that lay before them. As Friedman makes clear, when From helped to establish Amnesty International in the early 1960s, he demonstrated that the defense of human freedom begins-and must begin-with a commitment to judge any society by who is sitting in its jails."

—Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director, Amnesty International

"This is more than a highly enlightening study of the life and work of a remarkable 20th century figure.The penetrating review and analysis of the many facets of Fromm's writing and activities also illuminates the intellectual ferment and political history of the turbulent and often terrifying times during which Fromm played such a constructive and influential role, with lasting significance."

—Noam Chomsky, Department of Linguistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The leading American expert on topics psychological, Lawrence Friedman has again published an outstanding biography of one of the nation’s most significant figures in the realm of social philosophy and psychology, Erich Fromm. Millions read his Escape from Freedom (1941) and The Art of Loving (1956). Thoroughly researched in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and Switzerland, Friedman brilliantly traces Fromm’s prolific philosophical and psychological career. He also sensitively explores Fromm’s complicated personal and sexual life and his valuable backstage advising to Presidents and liberal politicians. This highly accessible work will intrigue and enlighten thousands of readers."

—Bertram Wyatt-Brown, University of Florida

"In this riveting biography of Erich Fromm, Lawrence Friedman reveals how Fromm's writings continue to speak to many of the most crucial issues of our time. His ideas about social character have been validated by recent discoveries in the human sciences and his insights about politics and political organizing anticipate the successful 2008 Obama campaign. Fromm's work can help us to recover the grand vision of the social sciences as a means to understanding and ameliorating the human condition, or, as From would put it, to choosing life over destructiveness."

—Carol Gilligan, Professor New York University, Pioneer in Gender Studies, Author of "In a Different Voice" and "Joining the Resistance"

"In mid-century America, a peak era for public intellectuals, Erich Fromm’s psychological and sociological writings were required reading among the intelligentsia. What’s more, his ideas were widely discussed by others, ranging from the millions who devoured The Art of Loving to U.S. Senators and even President John Kennedy. In this compelling biography, historian Lawrence Friedman, author of the definitive biography of psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, details the cornucopia of ideas that issued from Fromm’s fertile mind as well as the fascinating and little known details of his lengthy, controversial and exceedingly full life."

—Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"Through this thorough portrait, "Love's Prophet" emerges as an exemplar of enjoying an examined life to its fullest potential."

—Publishers Weekly