Creativity and Perversion

by Janine Chasseguet-Smirgel, Otto F. Kernberg

This is the best single account of the psychoanalysis of creativity, pseudo-creativity and the perverse mind. The author explores art, film and literature to show the relations between true creativity and the artful universe of the pervert.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis

172 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1984

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janine Chasseguet-Smirgel provides us with excellent insight on the analysis of sexual perversions. She provides us with psychoanalytic insights on the writings of Sade and the development of the anal-sadistic universe as well as provides us with a detailed re-reading of some of Freud's famous case studies: Little Hans and The Wolf Man. Although many homosexuals and transgender individuals would cry "foul" on Chasseguet-Smirgel's use of the word "pervert" it brings to light the crucial importance of human creativity and navigating soul crushing stress of castration. Chasseguet-Smirgel provides us with an interesting revelation that the prospect of indulging a creative perversion remains an integral part in human state of consciousness. She writes, "As I have already stated, all of us are open to the perverse solution which constitutes a balm for our wounded narcissism and a means of dissipating our feelings of smallness and inadequacy. This temptation can lead to our losing the love for truth and replacing it with a taste of sham." For this reason, Creative Perversions makes an excellent book for anyone interested in the subject matter of psychoanalysis and the formation of sexual creative perversions as well as "other perverse solutions" such as homicide.

[Nader]

this book will change your life