The Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis: 50th Anniversary Edition

by Otto Fenichel, Leo Rangell (Introduction)

The Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis , Fenichel's classic text, summarized the first half century of psychoanalytic investigation into psychopathology and presented a general psychoanalytic theory of neurosis. When Otto Fenichel died, Anna Freud mourned the loss of 'his inexhaustible knowledge of psychoanalysis and his inimitable way of organizing and presenting his facts'. These qualities shine through The Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis which has been a standard reference for generations of psychoanalysts.
For this anniversary edition, Leo Rangell has written an introduction that sets Fenichel's work in context. He sees Fenichel as a worthy heir to Freud; both men influenced their followers by what Rangell calls 'the charisma of ideas'. In his epilogue, Rangell describes the fate of Fenichel's ideas and of this book as 'a barometer of the place of psychoanalysis ... within the external intellectual world and, even more significantly, of the trends and shifting winds of opinion within the psychoanalytic field itself'. He traces those trends through the turbulent controversies of the field, concluding that Fenichel's observations are as fresh and relevant today as they were fifty years ago.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Reference

742 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1945

Reviews

[Mariana Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitivamente un libro de consulta, pero vale la pena leer todo completo al menos 1 vez en la vida (y olvidarte de su existencia un rato..)

[Ricardo Acuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

De los mejores libros que existen sobre la Neurosis, en donde se expone de manera clara, profunda y extensa la teoría psicoanalítica de la neurosis. Es definitivamente un libro de cabecera, para consultarse de manera continua y servir de apoyo en la práctica terapéutica. Aunque las teorías de psicoanalíticas resultan controversiales, en el tema de las neurosis, siguen siendo aún muy vigentes. Sin duda un excelente libro, muy recomendable.

[Anna Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why the 3 stars instead of 5, you say? Well, it's actually hard to rate this book. Fenichel is a genius, no doubt about it, and his Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis is simply one of the best in the topic. However, the book is not so *enjoyable* to read. Some textbooks are pretty enjoyable (no kidding), but Fenichel's Neurosis isn't one of them.

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering the times, Fenichel did an excellent compendium of the up to date psychoanalytic discoveries while mainting a critique to capitalism.

By far better than all the freudian encyclopedias and with insightful social commentary.

Granted, it ain't perfect (it has some vices and adherence to the fruedian school), but, from all that I've read, it's the most complete book of psychoanalytic theory.

[Michael Kulyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and comprehensive account of classical Freudian developmental theory in relation to a broad spectrum of pathologies. They'll still be reading it in 200 years time-superb.