Product Description

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) revolutionized the way in which we think about ourselves. From its beginnings as a theory of neurosis, Freud developed psycho-analysis into a general psychology which became widely accepted as the predominant mode of discussing personality and interpersonal relationships.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15444 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Anthony Storr qualified as a doctor in 1944. He subsequently specialized in psychiatry, trained as an analyst, and taught psychotherapy at Oxford. His books include The Integrity of the Personality (1960), The Dynamics of Creation (1972), Jung (1973), Solitude (1988), and Music and the Mind (1992). He is an Emeritus Fellow of Green College, Oxford.

Customer Reviews

Nice introduction
The Oxford University Press 'A very short introduction to...' books are generally very good, and this is certainly no exception.

As with the others, it is not insulting to one's intelligence (An idiot's guide to...), doesn't assume that you can't understand anything more complicated than a cartoon (Introducing...), and still imparts a good basic knowledge of the man and his work.

There's no way that this book would be enough to understand everything, and certainly doesn't replace reading actual works, but it arms you with more than enough knowledge for everyday conversations.

The writing style is quite nice, and fairly easy to read, and a good degree of objectivity is shown throughout - in no way is this a homage to Freud.

Personally, I think that if you wish to gain a good understanding of basic worldly knowledge, this series of books is an excellent place to start, and your understanding of psychoanalysis, not just Freud, will be enhanced through this book.

Best introduction to freud available
I think i first read this book in its prior incarnation as an oxford Past Master almost 10 years ago, whilst a medical student. Now as a practicing psychiatrist I still return to it again and again. Storr is a very elegant writer and was an excellent clinical psychiatrist and psychotherapist - this work demonstrates these attributes and is additionally the most concise and thorough introduction to Freud I know. I still recommend it to psychiatrists and medical students.

Great Introduction
I have been disappointed by other books in this series. Despite being a big Germaine Greer fan, I felt her introduction to Shakespeare lacked focus and was, frankly, boring.

But "Freud" was a definite exception. It engaged me right from the beginning and was pitched at exactly the right level - not too complex but not patronising either. As others have commented, Storr's style is elegent and carries you through the harder sections. I felt his opinions were balanced well. All too often people are either unquestioningly enthusiastic about Freud or completely write off all his ideas as worthless nonsense.

I did think the book lost its way slightly in the chapters on art and culture, but I think that was partly because I was less interested in those topics. The book acheives its aim to provide a solid but brief introduction. I am looking forward to moving on to a slightly more in-depth study.