Erich Fromm was a political activist, psychologist, psychoanalyst, philosopher, and one of the most important intellectuals of the twentieth century. Known for his theories of personality and political insight, Fromm dissected the sadomasochistic appeal of brutal dictators while also eloquently championing love¿which, he insisted, was nothing if it did not involve joyful contact with others and humanity at large. Admired all over the world, Fromm continues to inspire with his message of universal brotherhood and quest for lasting peace. The first systematic study of Fromm¿s influences and achievements, this biography revisits the thinker¿s most important works, especially Escape from Freedom and The Art of Loving, which conveyed important and complex ideas to millions of readers. The volume recounts Fromm¿s political activism as a founder and major funder of Amnesty International, the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, and other peace groups. Consulting rare archival materials across the globe, Lawrence J. Friedman reveals Fromm¿s support for anti-Stalinist democratic movements in Central and Eastern Europe and his efforts to revitalize American democracy.

Although there are some books on Fromm, none approach the depth and comprehensiveness of Friedman's work. Love's Prophet is based on research on ... sources that no other scholars have used. It details Fromm's... perhaps unconscious decision to eschew an academic career and become--even if he would not use the term--a public intellectual. -- Gerald N. Grob, Henry E. Sigerist Professor of the History of Medicine (Emeritus), Rutgers University Full of interesting material about Fromm's background, extensive intellectual contacts, political and psychoanalytic activities, and the range of his thinking that many readers will not know--certainly I did not know. -- Dorothy Ross, Arthur O. Lovejoy Professor Emerita of History, Johns Hopkins University Thanks to Lawrence Friedman's comprehensive and subtle protrait of Erich Fromm, a new generation of readers will be inspired to explore Fromm's life and works. He was an idealist, but never naive or out of touch with what might be possible if only individual societies or government officials had the courage to face the dangerous possibilities that lay before them. As Friedman makes clear, when From helped to establish Amnesty International in the early 1960s, he demonstrated that the defense of human freedom begins--and must begin--with a commitment to judge any society by who is sitting in its jails. -- Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director, Amnesty International This is more than a highly enlightening study of the life and work of a remarkable 20th century figure.The penetrating review and analysis of the many facets of Fromm's writing and activities also illuminates the intellectual ferment and political history of the turbulent and often terrifying times during which Fromm played such a constructive and influential role, with lasting significance. -- Noam Chomsky, Department of Linguistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The leading American expert on topics psychological, Lawrence Friedman has again published an outstanding biography of one of the nation's most significant figures in the realm of social philosophy and psychology, Erich Fromm. Millions read his Escape from Freedom (1941) and The Art of Loving (1956). Thoroughly researched in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and Switzerland, Friedman brilliantly traces Fromm's prolific philosophical and psychological career. He also sensitively explores Fromm's complicated personal and sexual life and his valuable backstage advising to Presidents and liberal politicians. This highly accessible work will intrigue and enlighten thousands of readers. -- Bertram Wyatt-Brown, University of Florida In this riveting biography of Erich Fromm, Lawrence Friedman reveals how Fromm's writings continue to speak to many of the most crucial issues of our time. His ideas about social character have been validated by recent discoveries in the human sciences and his insights about politics and political organizing anticipate the successful 2008 Obama campaign. Fromm's work can help us to recover the grand vision of the social sciences as a means to understanding and ameliorating the human condition, or, as From would put it, to choosing life over destructiveness. -- Carol Gilligan, Professor New York University, Pioneer in Gender Studies, Author of "In a Different Voice" and "Joining the Resistance"

Foreword, by Gerald N. GrobAcknowledgmentsPrologue: Writing LivesPart 1: Germany1. The Unsteady Apprentice2. Frankfurt ScholarPart 2: The Americas3. The Americanization of a European Intellectual4. Escape from Freedom5. Clinician and Ethicist6. To Love and to Mentor7. Politics and ProsePart 3: Global Citizenship8. Prophecies for a Troubled World9. A Third Way10. "Life Is Extravagance": Almost11. Hope and Stasis12. Love and DeathA Bibliographical NoteNotesIndex