Best Popular Psychology History Books of 2026

Neurotribes by Steve Silberman is a New York Times bestseller that challenges conventional thinking about autism and advocates for acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity. Silberman delves into the history of autism research, uncovers the suppressed history of autism, and provides surprising answers to why diagnoses have increased in recent years. He also explores the concept of neurodiversity and argues that neurological differences are not errors of nature. The book won the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction in 2015 and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and implications of neurodiversity.

Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind is a fascinating exploration of the history of drug use by scientists, writers, artists, and philosophers to unlock the hidden regions of the mind. Mike Jay does an excellent job balancing research with vivid and captivating descriptions of drug experiences, inspiring a fascinated public to conduct their own experiments. The book recovers a lost intellectual tradition of drug-taking that fed the birth of psychology, the discovery of the unconscious, and the emergence of modernism. Overall, Psychonauts is a thought-provoking and well-researched book that sheds light on the deep influence of mind-altering drugs on Western science, philosophy, and culture.

The AP® Psychology Crash Course book by Research & Education Association (REA) is an excellent study guide for students who want to earn a high score on the AP® exam. The book provides targeted review by covering only the information tested on the exam, saving valuable study time. It also offers expert test-taking strategies and advice from a veteran AP® Psychology teacher, Larry Krieger. The book includes a mini-test and a full-length practice exam online, which helps students prepare for the exam with timed testing and automatic scoring. Overall, this Crash Course is a must-have for students who want to succeed in the AP® Psychology exam.

The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained is an excellent introduction to the science of psychology, suitable for beginners and experts alike. With over 100 groundbreaking ideas presented in an easy-to-follow format, this book covers the history of psychology, key concepts, and the work of prominent psychologists. The use of eye-catching graphics and diagrams makes the book engaging and accessible. The Psychology Book is a part of the Big Ideas series from DK, known for their informative and visually appealing books. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the human mind and behavior.

The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds by Michael Lewis is an intriguing book that tells the story of two Israeli psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, who created the field of behavioral economics. Their Nobel Prize-winning theory of the mind revolutionized the way we perceive reality and made much of Lewis's own work possible. The book offers fascinating stories about the two intriguing people and their extraordinary friendship that led to a new approach to government regulation and advanced evidence-based medicine. Overall, The Undoing Project is a compelling read that highlights the power of collaboration and the limits of human reason.

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers is an essential book that explores how women-led healing was delegitimized in favor of patriarchy, capitalism, and the emerging medical industry. The book exposes the corruption of the medical establishment and its roots in witch hunters. In this updated edition, Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English delve into the current fascination with and controversies about witches, exposing our fears and fantasies. This book provides a unique perspective on medical history and points to some of the causes underlying our current healthcare mess.

A Degree in a Book: Psychology is a comprehensive guide that covers the fundamental issues of psychology. With beautiful full-color diagrams, mind maps, and history sections, it is an excellent introduction for students and laypeople alike. The book includes theories from Sigmund Freud, Ivan Pavlov, and many more, providing a complete range of psychology. It also features flow charts, infographics, and suggestions for further reading, making it easier to understand the human mind. The Arcturus Publishing's A Degree in a Book series offers the knowledge of a degree for the price of a book. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those interested in psychology.

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry is an engaging and humorous exploration of psychopaths and the people who study them. Jon Ronson's investigative reporting takes readers on a wild ride through the world of madness, from spotting psychopaths in high places to spending time with patients in asylums. Ronson's storytelling skills are impressive, making even the necessary reflections interesting. He also discovers that the personalities leading the madness industry are often as mad as those they study. This book is a fascinating and unique look at the world of psychology.

The Black Books by C.G. Jung is a fascinating collection of intimate writings that shed light on the development of analytical psychology. The seven-volume boxed collection features both translated and facsimile versions of each notebook, as well as a revelatory essay by noted Jung scholar Sonu Shamdasani. The Black Books offer a unique portal into Jung's mind and his attempts to embody insights from his self-investigation into his life and personal relationships. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology and the origins of Jungian analysis.

Psych 101 is a refreshing take on psychology that makes learning about the human mind enjoyable. Written by Paul Kleinman, this book is a primer for human behavior that contains hundreds of entertaining psychology basics and quizzes. It cuts out the tedious details and statistics found in traditional textbooks, providing readers with a hands-on approach to exploring the mind. From personality quizzes to B.F. Skinner and the stages of development, Psych 101 has all the answers. Whether you're a psychology student or just someone who wants to understand human behavior better, this book is for you.