Sigmund Freud

Routledge Critical Thinkers

by Pamela Thurschwell

Sigmund Freud provides an invaluable introduction to the life and work of one of the twentieth century's most important thinkers. Studied on most undergraduate literary and cultural studies courses, Sigmund Freud takes a fresh look at the work of this groundbreaking theorist, offering students a clear introduction to Freud's importance for psychoanalytic literary criticism, while tracing the scientific and cultural contexts from which he emerged. This book guides readers through Freud's terminology and key ideas and includes a detailed bibliography of his own and other relevant texts.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychoanalysis

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Parinaz Fatehi · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very simple and well organized introduction on Freud for those who wants to learn the basic theories of Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism

[Castles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great introduction which fits beginners to the world of Freud, but also for people who need to refresh their memory. It's short, to the point, and so well written. More than that, the bibliography for further reading is excellent and will take you very far. I didn't see any reason to give it less than a perfect 5 stars review for what the book aims for, because the author accomplishes it with great success.

[Maria Ferrandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quite helpful introduction to Freud. It provides a quite clear outline of the main psychoanalytic theories and it includes explanations of key psychoanalytic terms.

However, it is perhaps too didactic for my taste and a bit chaotic at times. In addition, there is not enough emphasis on Freud's constant revision of his theories, or at least, the evolution of psychoanalysis is not clear enough. Apart from that, there is an obvious neglect of Freud's theories of traumatic memory, which is precisely the part I was most interested in. I mean, they are mentioned but just in passing. In addition, the writer seems to feel guilty that Freud had no idea about "what a woman wants" and tries to somehow cover up for him.

It is a good introduction for college students, but it is not detailed enough, even though all in all it makes a good introductory summary for anyone who is interested in getting an overview of Freud's most important theories.

[Nyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book as a refresher of my previous education on Freud. While it is certainly not systematized enough to account for his clinical application it does seek to provide a basis for literary analysis using psychoanalysis. This is why it is sufficient for me but should certainly be augmented by further reading. I specifically recommend 'The Uncanny', 'Beyond the pleasure principle' and 'melancholia and mourning'.

[Cassey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful as a refresher.

[SuZanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent little book giving a clear overview of Freud's major ideas and writings. It has a long list in the back of the book of recommended and not so recommended further readings on Freud. This is a scholarly work that is easy to read; the summaries at the end of most chapters are help too. A good introduction to Freud.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good basic study of Freud and his theories. Very straightforward and easy to read. Seemed a bit chaotic at times and had a few unnecessary "bunny trails." Definetely geared toward people who do not know a lot about his work.

[Martha Anne Toll]

This is a brilliant, clear, accessible book.

[Eileen Mazo · Rating 3 out of 5]

i cannot read this book!!

[Tom L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough; elegantly written; extremely helpful: one of the better books in this series.

[Mal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Post-structuralist. Painful. Useful in parts, though.