Searching for Bowlby by C.V. Wooster offers an immersive biographical historical narrative of John Bowlby, the pioneering psychologist behind attachment theory. Moving beyond clinical summaries, the book delves into Bowlby’s life, ideas, and lasting influence, providing a nuanced portrait of his impact on psychology, education, and parenting.

Set in early 20th-century Britain, it traces Bowlby’s journey from a reserved upbringing to becoming a leader in psychological innovation. Through meticulous research, Wooster uncovers the personal stories and historical context that shaped Bowlby’s work, highlighting the challenges he faced and the breakthroughs he achieved.

This biography is a must-read for those interested in the roots of human connection, ensuring Bowlby’s ideas continue to resonate with future generations.

About John Bowlby

John Bowlby was a British psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst, widely recognized as the founder of Attachment Theory. Born in 1907, Bowlby was influenced by his own emotionally distant upbringing and early work with troubled children during World War II. These experiences led him to explore how early relationships affect emotional and psychological development.

Bowlby argued that children are biologically programmed to form strong emotional bonds—attachments—with caregivers, which are crucial for their safety, survival, and long-term mental health.