Discover the Penguin books that shaped us

Surrounded by Psychopaths

or, How to Stop Being Exploited by Others

The funny and practical guide on how to handle life’s manipulators and avoid being exploited by them, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots.

Some people are exceptionally manipulative. They can convince anyone about anything and lure them with their charm. They enjoy controlling others and will do anything to get what they want.

The bad news is that you can’t really escape them. But here comes the good news: you can beat them at their own game.

In his inspiring – and, at times, funny – guide, bestselling behavioural expert Thomas Erikson explains how manipulative people exploit our weaknesses and personality traits - and how to protect yourself. Using his famous four-colour model, Erikson shows you how to:


  • Identify the signs of manipulation early

  • Set healthy boundaries and stand your ground

  • Stay calm and confident in toxic situations

  • Reclaim your emotional energy and peace of mind


Insightful, entertaining and empowering, Surrounded by Psychopaths will give you everything you need to handle life’s most skilled manipulators, identify the psychopaths in your life, and free yourself from their control.

Praise for Surrounded by Psychopaths and Thomas Erikson:

'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly

‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it] Business Insider

Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work

Everyone can benefit from this bookBooklist

Life changing’ 5-star reader review

‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review

Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review

A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

'A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators . . . Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.'

Kirkus Reviews

About Thomas Erikson

Thomas Erikson is a Swedish behavioural expert, bestselling author and active lecturer, who has worked with countless companies including IKEA, Coca Cola, Microsoft, Volvo and KIA Motors. Surrounded by Idiots (Omgiven Av Idioter) has become a runaway bestseller, selling over 3 million copies worldwide and having been translated into 55 languages. Together, his books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
Details
  • Series: Surrounded by
  • Imprint: Vermilion
  • ISBN: 9781785043321
  • Length: 272 pages
  • Dimensions: 197mm x 17mm x 126mm
  • Weight: 190g
  • Price: £12.99
All editions