'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 Koenig 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 behaviour and mannerisms, so our place in the family also determines how we encounter life.

This book is a fascinating handbook for parents, teachers and carers. Over the years it has become a definitive reference on the subject of child development.

This newest edition in the Karl Koenig Archive series includes a new introduction by series editor Richard Steel; an extended introduction by Karl Koenig; two new essays: 'The Two Sisters', and 'Brother and Sister' ; some of Karl Koenig's lecture notes and transcriptions, and an essay by A. Limbrunner about the significance of Koenig's work on family order for today.