Origins & Early Life

Fredric Wertham (; born Friedrich Ignatz Wertheimer, German: [vɛʁtˌhaɪmɐ], March 20, 1895 – November 18, 1981) was a German–American psychiatrist and author. Wertham had an early reputation as a progressive psychiatrist who treated poor black patients at his Lafargue Clinic at a time of heightened discrimination in urban mental health practice. Wertham also authored a definitive textbook on the brain, and his institutional stressor findings were cited when courts overturned multiple segregation statutes, most notably in Brown v. Board of Education.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Despite this, Wertham remains best known for his concerns about the effects of violent imagery in mass media and the effects of comic books on the development of children. His best-known book is Seduction of the Innocent (1954), which asserted that comic books caused youth to become delinquents. Besides Seduction of the Innocent, Wertham also wrote articles and testified before government inquiries into comic books, most notably as part of a U.S. Congressional inquiry into the comic book industry. Wertham's work, in addition to the 1954 comic book hearings, led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, although later scholars cast doubt...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
• Alexandre Dumas fils — Contemporary (Died in 1895) (1895): Master French playwright and novelist, celebrated for 'The Lady of the Camellias'.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alicia Keys — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): Award-winning pianist and vocalist known for her soulful R&B sound.
• Anwar Sadat — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): Egyptian President who spearheaded economic reform and the peace treaty with Israel.
• Alex Gorsky — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1960): American businessman, former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
• B. F. Skinner — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1904): Pioneering behaviorist who developed operant conditioning and radical behaviorism.
• Adam Weishaupt — Shared historical date (11-18 · Died) (1830): German philosopher, founder of the Bavarian Illuminati, and legal scholar.
• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Shared historical date (11-18 · Born) (1832): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
• 1895 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1895
• March 20 (03-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 20
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• November 18 (11-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 18