Envy ─ A Survey of Its Psychology and History

The word "envy" is used worldwide, but its meaning lacks general agreement. Many consider it a negative quality, even a deadly sin, while others regard it as a spur to personal accomplishment. Most people readily admit to feeling envy, and it occurs in poetry and song, historical analysis, popular fiction, and our greatest dramas. How has something so common yet poorly understood received so little critical attention? Exploring our shifting interpretations of this universal emotion, this comprehensive study challenges us to come to terms with it, providing both a starting point and an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our behavior.