This innovative text bridges the traditional theories approach to personality and the newer research-oriented approach. Combining scientific rigor with literary style, the distinguished authors show how classic theories form the basis for modern personality concepts and research. The strengths and limits of each perspective are thus revealed. Scientific integration of cross-cultural and gender issues, as well as applications to society, provide a challenging view that fascinates students and provokes critical thinking. Friedman and Schustack present a coherent picture built on eight basic perspectives of personality, which provide historical framework, judicious analysis, and modern implications. As the text proceeds through ten basic chapters and five creative applied chapters, the authors emphasize scientific evaluation, theoretical integration, and societal relevance. Incentive teaching features range from thought-provoking vignettes about pop figures like Madonna to speculations about efforts to create designer personalities.