The legacy of A.N. Leont'ev: An introduction

Aleksei Nikolaevich Leont'ev was born on 5 February 1903 and died on 21 January 1979, shortly before turning 76. There is no doubt that Leont'ev played a crucial role in Russian psychology during the Soviet phase of its development. His articles can be found in previous issues of this journal, and his lasting influence on current (Russian) psychology can readily be demonstrated: he is one of the "giants of Soviet psychology" (Cole & Cole, 1971). Leont'ev acquired great influence in Soviet/Russian and world psychology both through his organizational and international activities and through his involvement in the establishment of the activity approach to psychology.