This is the recommended reading for my psychology degree. In my view, it isn't just recommended, this book is essential!!Covering most of the modules offered at Year 1 of a psychology undergraduate degree and even delving into modules offered at Year 2 & 3, this has been a real life saver for me.
In this large volume, Eysenck covers everything from Biological Psychology to Social and Developmental, to Vision and Perception, Abnormal and many others. This might not be too different to other textbooks avaiable out there you might say - so where's the difference?
It lies in Eysenck's ability to second guess the thoughts of a student approaching psychology for the first time. Although one of the UK's leading psychologists, he is able to anticipate areas of difficulty or questions that might arise as you are reading through his text - it's almost like he is sitting next to you answering your questions as you go along. Secondly, he is not writing to show off his superior knowledge. You can really feel that he wants you to understand what he is writing and does so in a mature and unpatronising way. Psychological terminology is explained in the central text but definitions are provided in little coloured boxes to the side of the text - SO handy when revising for exams. Thirdly, points are not just made in isolation but concepts are further illustrated through case studies and discussions of experiments - although appearing in text boxes outside the central text so as not to interfere with the initial explanation, but not at the end of the chapter by which time you may have forgotten. There's no flicking backwards and forwards, everything is at your fingertips. Fourthly, although he does as much for you as he can, Eysenck also makes you think about what you are reading with questions and points to consider added on the way. At the end of each chapter there are suggestions for further reading.
On my psychology course, the lecturers are hot on you reading sources from actual research papers - Eysenck illustrates his explanations with results and findings from hundreds of these (all listed fully at teh rear of the textbook).
As someone approaching psychology for the first time, without previous experience and without a Biology A-Level, I have found this a stimulating and essential read. I have gone into my lectures more confident about the subject matter. It's also an excellent exam revision guide and just everything that you need to get started on a degree, career etc AND on Amazon, you get it for a fraction of the price that I had to pay.