Jean Piaget is widely acknowledged as one of the most important scholars of the twentieth century. This book outlines the development of Piaget's understanding of major issues regarding mind, faith, science, logic, peace, and social rights in a time of anxiety and world wars.

Taking a socio-historical and cultural perspective, this book looks at Jean Piaget's own growth from childhood to scientific life. The international and multidisciplinary contributors examine the milieu in which Piaget was born and educated, and search for traces of the experiences, social relationships, commitments and debates that peppered his childhood and adolescence, and informed his future academic career.

"This is a unique book that presents some wonderful new material on Piaget. New light is cast on his own developmental history and on the development of genetic epistemology. As a result, it will become essential reading for any serious student of Piaget." - Professor Gerry Finn, Department of Educationaland Professional Studies, University of Strathclyde, UK "Jean Piaget [1896-1980] was regarded as the 'Giant of Developmental Psychology' in the 20th century and his influence on developmental psychology can be compared to that of Shakespeare on English literature in the 16th century. In the 21st century, although every textbook in the area continues to include coverage of his work, a biography of Piaget has been largely conspicuous in its absence. There is no competitor to Piaget and Neuchâtel which sets out to remedy this stark omission." - Leslie Smith, Emeritus Professor Lancaster University and freelance researcher, Lake District, UK