First published in 1921, the book is based on human analysis with an underlying theme- understand yourself and then learn to understand others. As per the authors, Elsie Lincoln Benedict and Ralph Paine Benedict, every individual can be judged in accordance with his or her traits and attributes. These features are imbued in unusual shapes on their face, hands and head. The authors have classified every human being into five groups, called Alimentive, Muscular, Cerebral, Osseous and Thoracic. This book sheds light on the research and observation conducted by the authors in order to prove their theory. Elsie Lincoln Benedict (1885 - 1970) became a celebrated author, woman suffragist, human analyst and lecturer on psychology. Ralph Paine Benedict (1874 - 1941), a publisher and nationally known lecturer and author on personality topics.