Having analysed the existing sources on the Hyphasis “mutiny” in 326 BC, the author indicates the role of false geographical knowledge in the motivation of the marching army. The cognitive theory of personality and social psychology serve to explain the development of the described events. On the basis of this study, the usefulness of historical psychology as an explanation model in history is assessed.

The Author of this review presents the newest book by Maciej Dymkowski on historical psychology. Paweł Jednacz recognizes historical psychology as a new discipline in Poland and he discusses its value from this point of view. The reviewer emphasises introductory character of the book. He pays special attention to Dymkowski's opinion on interrelations between history and psychology, as well as on the craft of a historian and psychologist. Jednacz agrees with the criticism expressed by the author towards psychohistory. He concludes that Dymkowski's work can be used as a textbook of historical psychology, at least until a new dissertation which will show more achievements, research tasks and methods in a fuller and wide-ranging way appears in print.

The paper aims to propose a method of historical investigation of emotions in the past. The author rethinks the phenomenon of empathy as a potential research tool for grasping the emotions of past events’ agents. He provides a psychology-based defi nition and an overview of historiographic traditions associated with empathy. He discusses limitations regarding validity (accuracy) and intersubjective control of empathy. Subsequently, the author proposes how to overcome these limitations.