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'Our purpose in this volume', state the authors, 'is to examine some of the main forms which motivational concepts have assumed in the major theoretical systems current in psychology today. In order to realize this purpose, we have first attempted to assemble some of the historic background of the problem both generally and in relation to each of the more-or-less systematic positions. For each of the
systems discussed, we have tried to show how the need for one or more motivational constructs developed and how the system attempts to account for the motivational phenomena with which it deals.'
For the most part the authors admirably fulfil this purpose. The historical summary in Chapter Two is a scholarly resumé of the problem, starting with the Greek philosophers and followed by the role of Darwin's theory in the development of comparative psychology and a discussion of the implications of twentieth century physiology for theory and research in motivation.
Other chapters discuss, among other subjects, the data of ethology, learning theory, and sociology. A chapter on psychoanalytic theory of motivation is outstanding for its accuracy and clarity. Although the book is occasionally verbose and repetitive, it is a scholarly contribution and can be highly recommended. There is an excellent bibliography of over two thousand references.