An Outline of Psychoanalysis
- Author:
Sigmund Freud.
The Hogarth Press and The Institute of Psychoanalysis, London. 8s. 6d.
This book represents the last work written by Freud before his death. It was first published in German in 1940 and an English translation has also appeared in Journal form. It is now reprinted for the first time in book form with considerable revisions.
It is interesting to compare the book with the earlier introductory Lectures, and to note the gradual broadening and development of psychoanalytical theory despite its firm retention of its basic truths and fundamental principles. This brief work of eighty pages contains, as is only to be expected, a clear summary of psychoanalytical theory explained in remarkably simple language. It contains nothing that will be new to the initiated student of Freudian psychopathology for it is intended only to be a general summary.
It is interesting to note, in comparison with some of the earlier works, a rather more defensive attitude in the explanation of some aspects of psychopathological theory. The book benefits from this defensive attitude since it has resulted in a more explanatory and convincing description of these fundamental truths. This defensive attitude is perhaps even more strongly shown in the occasional foot-notes by the translator ; some indeed are so defensive as almost to be unconvincing.
This book should prove a valuable introduction to the early student of psycho-pathological theory, and, whilst it will do nothing to convert those who hold out firmly against the Freudian views, it is so clearly put together that the reader who approaches it with an open mind cannot fail to see the immense value to the.whole field of human relationships of psychoanalytical theory. The book is very well translated and there is no room for criticism in its style of printing or make-up. T.A.R.
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