Product Description

Freudian thought permeates many aspects of 20th-century life, and to understand Freud is to explore not only his scientific papers but also his writings on art, literature, politics, religion and culture. Containing 51 texts which span Freud's entire career, from early case histories, through his work on dreams and essays on sexuality, and on to his late writings (including "Civilisation and Its Discontents"), this book brings together his ideas as a scientist, humanist, doctor and philosopher. Introductions to the texts are provided by Peter Gay, who has also written a general introduction which places the man and his work in the context of his time and culture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41642 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 832 pages

About the Author
Peter Gay's first volume of his two-volume work, The Enlightenment: An Interpretation, won a National Book Award, and his bestselling Freud: A Life for Our Time was finalist for the National Book Award. His other numerous works include studies on the eighteenth century, Voltaire's Politics and The Party of Humanity, and essays on the writing of history, Style in History and Art and Act. The recipient of Guggenheim and Rockefeller Foundation Fellowships, and Overseas fellowship at Churchill College, Cambridge, and the Heineken Prize for Historical Study, Peter Gay is Sterling Professor of History at Yale University.

Customer Reviews

just a perfect book perfect for the beginner
Followers of Freud across the world should be greatful to Mr Gay for compiling such an enormous and elaborate volume on Sigmund Freud. I have not come across any book on Frued which is so comprehensive yet does not seem to drag on about trivial details. It is like having a converstaion with Freud, perhaps even better because you can skip and chose the subject at will. The book gives a complete run down on all the major and some minor works of Freud, some in the form of lectures for the novice while others are for beginners. It has something for every body. While not many will agree with Freud's prognosis on Da Vinci, Nabokov, Michealangelo etc., we should consider ourselves fortunate enought that soemone offered to traverse through the thought processes of these geniuses and tried to split open their hidden personalities. Until we find a better explanation of what drives humans towards homo sexuality or why success leads people towards melancholy and why do we get recurring dreams about failure or flight fanatasy, Sigmund Freud shall continue to occupy the mantle which is fit only for a 20th century prophet. To bring his work to light in an accessible form, we owe gratitude to Mr Gay

Everything in one book
This book contains extracts and important parts of Freuds work. From his work on dream interpretations, to the theory of sexuality. It is easy to read and makes for a very interesting read. Definitly worth buying.

Excellent reference
This is an excellent Reader with many of the most famous and useful papers that make up the definitive Freud. Certainly a helpful guide for the student who finds wading through the complete works of Freud too much of a labour intensive experience.I should say a must reference book for anyone who wants a cross section of the huge output of this man. Well presented and indexed.