Charles B. Strozier, professor of history at Sangamon State University and a friend and follower of Heinz Kohut, suggested to him in the spring of 1980 that he gather into a book his papers on issues related to the humanities. Kohut provided several unpublished manuscripts and agreed to participate in seven conversations with Strozier about related subjects. The last took place two and one half months before Kohut's death on October 8, 1981.

The resulting book is organized into three sections. The first presents Kohut's interpretation of modern historical events and of Hamlet's character according to the psychology of the self as applied to groups and to the understanding of art. The second section republishes four of Kohut's papers on narcissism, narcissistic rage, the self and history, and creativity. The third section consists of the conversations between Strozier and Kohut on history, civilization, culture, ethics, religion, and death.