This standard work by Professor Erikson was written in parallel with his Young Man Luther. He examines prolonged and aggravated identity crises - basing his original observations on clinical experience - among young people with psychiatric problems, creative people and alienated groups. He demonstrates that the identity crisis is an extension of what is in fact a normal stage of human life. Professor Erikson makes the point that when identity problems are recognized as part of the issue between generations, they also appear central to historical processes and to sociological evolution. He concludes that the crisis of identity and its resolution is a necessary stage in both individual and collective development. Moreover, it allows the individual not only to acquire a more inclusive identity, but also to transcend it.