Understanding Human Nature by Adler, Alfred (Madeleine L'Engle) - 1946

New York: Greenberg, 1946. Hardcover. Very Good. Quite interesting association copy of this translated text from the Austrian doctor and psychotherapist, Alfred Adler, founder of the method of individual psychology, a holistic approach to psychotherapy quite separate from Freud's. Madeleine L'Engle's copy, from her library, including her holograph annotations and signature. L'Engle's novels often contained themes of psychology, philosophy, and other sciences, blending with her own theological thought and background. Her grasp of psychology in particular is apparent in her character development via the exploration of self-consciousness, mind control, metacognition, etc. The book is in very good condition with staining, soiling, and fading to boards, but clean and sound internally. L'Engle's annotations range from thoughtful questioning to conversational critique, often referring to the author as "Fred" or "Freddy." Wonderful insight into her early creative process and influences. Summer '49 is marked in pencil on the front pastedown, below her signature, presumably indicating when she received and/or read the book.