Freud
An Intellectual Biography

This book presents a radical look at the founder of psychoanalysis in his broader cultural context, addressing critical issues and challenging stereotypes.

Joel Whitebook (Author)

9781108829045, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 July 2020

492 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm, 0.7 kg

''Does the world need another biography of Sigmund Freud?' Perhaps no longer, for Whitebook has covered an extraordinary amount of territory. What one is left with upon closing the covers of this 'intellectual biography', it should be further noted, is something more than an identification of the sociocultural milieu in question, something more than a drawing out of the interrelation of the life and work of the subject, and something more than a comprehensive investigation into the historical implications of each: one is left, whether or not it was the author's intention, with an ever deepening sense of compassion for one of the greatest thinkers, founders even, of the modern era.' Lois Oppenheim, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association

The life and work of Sigmund Freud continue to fascinate general and professional readers alike. Joel Whitebook here presents the first major biography of Freud since the last century, taking into account recent developments in psychoanalytic theory and practice, gender studies, philosophy, cultural theory, and more. Offering a radically new portrait of the creator of psychoanalysis, this book explores the man in all his complexity alongside an interpretation of his theories that cuts through the stereotypes that surround him. The development of Freud's thinking is addressed not only in the context of his personal life, but also in that of society and culture at large, while the impact of his thinking on subsequent issues of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and social theory is fully examined. Whitebook demonstrates that declarations of Freud's obsolescence are premature, and, with his clear and engaging style, brings this vivid figure to life in compelling and readable fashion.

1. Wandering Jews - from Galicia to Vienna
2. Freud's Bildung
3. Science as vocation
4. Starting out in Vienna
5. A theoretical excursus
6. 'Dear magician'
7. Becoming the first psychoanalyst
8. Jung and the Counter-Enlightenment
9. Exorcising the 'Odium Jungian'
10. 'What is painful may none the less be real' - loss, mourning, and Ananke
11. Making sense of the death instinct
12. Leaving heaven to the angels and the sparrows - Freud's critique of religion
13. Late Freud and the early mother.

Subject Areas: Popular psychology [VSP], Psychoanalytical theory [Freudian psychology JMAF], History of ideas [JFCX], Popular philosophy [HPX], Western philosophy, from c 1900 - [HPCF], History of Western philosophy [HPC]