Extended Version with New Chapters on the Ninth Stage of Development by Joan M. Erikson

"This book will last and last, because it contains the wisdom of two wonderfully knowing observers of our human destiny."—Robert Coles

For decades Erik H. Erikson's concept of the stages of human development has deeply influenced the field of contemporary psychology. Here, with new material by Joan M. Erikson, is an expanded edition of his final work. The Life Cycle Completed eloquently closes the circle of Erikson's theories, outlining the unique rewards and challenges—for both individuals and society—of very old age.

The last stage, old age, challenges the individual to rework the past while remaining involved in the present. The authors begin this work with their theory of life's stages through old age. In Part two, they discuss their interviews with twenty-nine octogenarians, on whom life history data has been collected for over fifty years. Part three is a discussion of the life history of the protagonist in Ingmar Bergman's film Wild Strawberries. In Part four, "Old age in our society," the authors offer suggestions for "vital involvement." Erik H. Erikson is winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

The authors offer a rationale for their own ideas of the central role of activity in all recovery and rehabilitation, emphasizing throughout that planned activities in therapeutic communities are not just another form of adjunctive therapy. Activity is a vital component of change, and without activity and change there is no recovery and no growth.

The verified facts concerning the life of Saint Francis of Assisi are few and even the given dates are disputed. Yet legend and his continuing presence have formed an impelling image which takes on greater stature as time goes on, as if in defiance of the lacking evidence.

The authors offer a rationale for their own ideas of the central role of activity in all recovery and rehabilitation, emphasizing throughout that planned activities in therapeutic communities are not just another form of adjunctive therapy. Activity is a vital component of change, and without activity and change there is no recovery and no growth.

Throughout recorded history, beads have had a powerful allure for people of all ages. Fascinating in their own right, valuable as currency and durable wealth, they have also been endowed with magical properties of protection and enhancement.

Responding to a new surge of interest in beads, this reissue edition with all new color plates examines the role of these intriguing objects in human affairs. The first chapter traces the travels of beads by mule-pack, caravan, and cargo. Egypt, india, and Mesopotamia were connected by trade routes along which beads were carried. Amber from the Baltic Sea abounded around the pre-Roman Mediterranean; gifts of beads were used by Columbus and Cortez to achieve their first footing on the American continent.

Joan Mowat Erikson gives an account of the use of beads for decoration, as insignia of rank and status, as bearers of magic power, and as currency. She describes the materials out of which beads have been made and the skill used in their production, from the simple gathering of natural beads (berries, nutshells) to the cutting and polishing of colorful stones (turquoise, jade, amber) and the mass production of clay, faience, and glass beads.

In a chapter on beads and magic, Erikson discusses beliefs in their power to protect the wearer against the evil eye, increase prowess as hunter and warrior, cure diseases, and ensure luck and favor with the gods, as well as to enhance the potency of man and the fertility of women, livestock, and lands. She concludes with some thoughts on the meaning of beads and their universal appeal.