The Assault on Truth

by Jeffrey Masson

In 1896, Sigmund Freud presented his revolutionary “seduction theory,” arguing that acts of sexual abuse and violence inflicted on children are the direct cause of adult mental illness. Nine years later, Freud completely reversed his position, insisting that these sexual memories were actually fantasies that never happened. Why did Freud retract the seduction theory? And why has the psychoanalytic community gone to such lengths to conceal that retraction? In this landmark book, drawing on his unique access to formerly sealed and hidden papers, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson dares to uncover the truth about this critical turning point in Freud’s career and its enduring impact on the theory and practice of psychoanalysis. The Assault on Truth reveals a reality that neither Freud nor his followers could bear to face. Bracing in its honesty, gripping in its revelations, this is the book that prompted Masson’s break with the psychoanalytic community—and launched his subsequent brilliant career as an independent thinker and writer.

380 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for high school students!

[Abby Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for a book club and expected it to be boring since psychology and Freud has never peaked my interest.

WOW. So much of western psychology today is built upon Freud’s work in the late 1890s and early 1900s. And we celebrate that WHILE COMPLETELY IGNORING the FACT that Freud’s rejection of the “seduction theory” involved covering up for parents who were sexually abusing CHILDREN (incest?!) and blaming it on the innocent children for lying. DESPITE the fact that Freud was present at autopsies for dead kids who were raped to death by family members. And despite the fact that some of these people who were working with Freud were sexually abusing their own kids!!! And when these kids bravely spoke up, rather than listening to the truth they claimed these kids were suffering from hysteria and needed treatment in mental facilities?!

Sick. Sick. Sick. Everywhere in society we are protecting pedofiles and it has to stop.

[Allison Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never bought the Oedipus Complex. It seems completely whackadoodle to me and don’t understand why people take it as the gospel. I was horrified to read how Freud covered up rape and incest for years. I am more convinced the average man on the street knows more than any said expert.

[Jennifer Mulhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book evaluates Freud’s early ideas about how trauma took shape—and how his opinion later changed. The subject matter can be very heavy at times but the book is definitely a thought-provoking read especially for anyone who has a psychology background.