Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
A classic work describing personality traits affected by birth order
'There can be no doubt that special traits of character and mental make-up are found in children and adults who belong to the different ranks in the order of birth.'
In this classic work, Karl König attempts to explain the various characteristics of first-, second- and third-born people, without losing sight of the tremendous individuality of the human being.
Just as our environment shapes our language, social behavior and mannerisms, so our place in the family also determines how we encounter life.
This book is a fascinating handbook for parents, teachers and caregivers. Over the years it has become a definitive reference on the subject of child development.
This newest edition in the Karl König Archive series includes a new introduction by series editor Richard Steel; an extended introduction by Karl König; two new essays: 'The Two Sisters', and 'Brother and Sister' ; some of Karl König's lecture notes and transcriptions, and an essay by A. Limbrunner about the significance of König's work on family order for today.
'Readers will approach this book from their respective family positions... It was striking to see the first-born characterised as a defender of faith, tradition and the family against new ideas and action. Surely the balance is critical here.'
– David Lorimer, Scientific & Medical Network
'For me the most telling aspect was how much König's descriptions of the first, second, third child and so on fitted so closely with characteristics we'd noticed in our children.'
– Education Otherwise
'A pleasure to read this important work again.'
– Camphill News NI
'A profound and insightful book.'
– Perspectives
'Fascinating.'
– Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape