Introduction

Reading psychobiographies of fascinating actors, artists, entrepreneurs, historians, inventors, musicians, political leaders, and scientists brought me to history, psychobiography, and psychohistory generally. Probing their accomplishments, careers, childhoods, family backgrounds, life crises (including moments when they seem to have lost hope or been stumped in the pursuit of their goals), and personalities led me to solicit and create this tri-part special psychobiographical issue. I’ve always wanted to know more about these builders of our society and civilization, and psychobiography has provided a greater depth of understanding. The autobiographies of psychobiographers become the icing on the cake.