Carl Erikson has been immersed in the issues of masculinity for many years. He led and participated in men?s support groups and has read widely on these issues. Not content with these, he has worked to understand the impact of our cultural norms and expectations of masculinity on his own masculinity and life and how he can change this impact. This personal experience allowed him to identify the salient issues, ideas, and processes that can create a personal and fulfilling masculinity. He worked through five different versions of these ideas over fourteen years to present them effectively to readers. This work is enhanced by his broad background as a lawyer, artist, nonprofit financial administrator, musician, playwright, and stage manager. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.