From AudioFile
While listening to the ramblings of his rich and neurotic Viennese patients, Sigmund Freud developed theories on how the mind works and falters. His method of psychoanalysis and his proposed terms-Oedipus complex, ego, superego, and id, among others-revolutionized Western thought and psychiatric treatment. Surprisingly, he could never control his body's lethal addiction to tobacco, and the doctor underwent 22 operations for cancer of the palate. British narrator Neville Jason sets a slow pace suited for listeners needing to absorb challenging new terms and ideas. His reading style, which is characterized by theatrical pronunciation and a conversational tone, adds warmth to the otherwise cold rhetoric, elevating this audio-educational experience from dull to pleasant. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

ANNOTATION

"Storr's concise overview of Freud's psychoanalytic theory is invaluable to the novice approaching Freud's works for the first time."--Choice.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Sigmund Freud revolutionized the way in which we think about ourselves. From its beginnings as a theory of neurosis, Freud developed psychoanalysis into a general psychology which became widely accepted as the predominant mode of discussing personality and interpersonal relationships. Anthony Storr goes one step further and investigates the status of Freud's legacy today and the disputes that surround it."--BOOK JACKET.

SYNOPSIS

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, developed a totally new way of looking at human nature. Only now, with the hindsight of the half-century since his death, can we assess his true legacy to current thought. As an experienced psychiatrist himself, Anthony Storr offers a lucid and objective look at Freud's major theories, evaluating whether they have stood the test of time, and in the process examines Freud himself in light of his own ideas. An excellent introduction to Freud's work, this book will appeal to all those broadly curious about psychoanalysis, psychology, and sociology.

FROM THE CRITICS

Choice

Invaluble to the novice approaching Freud's works for the first time....As an evaluation of Freud's theory, Storr's book is concise and up-to-date....An important addition to any library collection.

Independent

A model exercise in synthesis.

D. M. Thomas - (The Observer)

Storr's brief, elegant, and interesting book coolly surveys what we might term the house of Freud and finds almost everything flawed...yet he does not dispute that the builder of the shaky house was a genius.

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