Knowledge in a Nutshell: Sigmund Freud

by Alan Porter

Sigmund Freud's theories on the unconscious revolutionised the way we approach human behaviour. This illustrated book provides an accessible and entertaining guide to Freud's life and ideas, including psychosexual development, the ego, id and superego, and dream analysis. Featuring simple bullet-pointed summaries at the end of each chapter and fact boxes to highlight key information, Knowledge in a Nutshell: Sigmund Freud is the perfect introduction to the great psychoanalyst and his ideas.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Nonfiction

ebook

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowledge in a nutshell is a very accurate depiction of this book. It is full of knowledge that is broken down so even a common person, like me, can glean meaning and understanding of key points and the facts surrounding them.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Sharley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really in depth history of Freud and his works within psychology., which will be interesting to anyone with an interest in psychology and/Freud.
Not quite what I was expecting as was more of a history lesson rather than an analysis and insight to Freuds work and how that impacts psychoanalysis today

[Katie Storr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook.

A good, short introduction to Freud’s work and concepts. Useful for Psychology students or just those interested in talking therapies.

[Anisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection on Freud's history is a very nice introduction for someone (like me) who hasn't read his works, and wants to understand why exactly Freud is so known. The chapters are well selected, and the information is easy to understand.
There's more on his life story, and the challenges he faced, when I would have liked more of this theories and how they were tested/used.
I did feel that we got more positive than negative, and that the chapter on criticism was a bit biased. A good introduction nevertheless.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is as the title bespeaks - Freud in a nutshell. It is a very brief outline of his academic life, work and theory. The author does a good job explaining that his book does not cover themes in depth and that he does not include many other relevant dynamics or ideas Freud had throughout his life aside from the most popular ideas. Think cliff notes on key ideas. I liked how the author had many pictures to highlight points and people relevant to Freud’s life throughout the book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider this a quick reference guide on Freud and the practice of psychoanalysis. It’s written clearly and succinctly with a focus on Freud’s early life, academic contributions and impact on the field of psychology as a whole. As a therapist, I’d recommend this as an easy, highly informative read for anyone interested in how people operate.

[John Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different view on this (in)famous man.

[Patrick Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terribly well written but what wanted. A brief summary of Freud’s life and work.

[Kayla DIxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Science.

[Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great "nutshell" hitting key points understandable to even beginners.

[Ariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

An accessible and entertaining guide to the life and ideas of Sigmund Freud, this book covers everything from Freud's use of hypnosis to his dream analysis, as well as how his ideas fitted in to the context of early 20th century psychology and the revolution his new techniques brought about. Illustrated throughout, this is the perfect introduction to the great psychoanalyst and his ideas.

-

This book was highly informative and I really liked how it was divided by chapters, each one standing for one significant part of his life and the unfolding and development of his studies.

What also really spoke to me were the bullet point summaries at the end of each chapter, which really helped for going through all the really important and significant details.

I do wish the author had gone a bit more in depth and explained more about Freud as a person, about his different books, his view on religion, his different studies, their outcomes et cetera.

This book is definitely very good to get a bit of information about Freud but it also focuses on Freud's surroundings at that time, his colleages and their studies and their view on Freud's work, too.

You might have to know a bit about Freud to understand this in its depth, but it also works very well as an introduction to Sigmund Freud.

[Neriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is the exact description of the title: The knowledge about Sigmund Freud in a nutshell.

The book starts with a basic idea of the field of Psychology of the time and goes on to inform how it affected on Freud, who went on to invent psychoanalysis. Not only does it provide the information on the basic ideologies, but it also goes on to provide the earlier life of Freud: a glimpse into his childhood, his love for literature, his time in the military, his medical training days, his time has biologist and explorations of Darwinism, his visit to observe Charlot's work on the hysteric patients which got him to in-depth self-analysis, the invention of Oedipal complex and psycho-analysis, his case studies, his associations with other psychologists like Carl Jung and the aftermath of psychoanalysis after Freud's death.

This book turned out to be highly informative read, yet, well suited for an interested layman or a beginner. As someone studying psychology, this book was a quick reference read where every information, in general, is covered. From the very first chapter, I was deeply engrossed. The reading felt like a perfect, engaging seminar. This is an amazing book which makes your imaginations go vivid by every turn of the page. And I guess, that's what I liked most of the writer's style! It never comes off as a boring lecture and it has the power to captivate the reader! One of the best aspects of this summarization is that it provides the right amount of information and by that what I mean is, it doesn't have any holes which will confuse you. Porter provides the right amount of context for beginners/laymen which makes it a perfect read!

Recommended: Anyone interested in the vast field of psychology and search of a quick, engrossing read, this book is perfect for you!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a clear and accessible overview of the work and theories of Sigmund Freud. It's written in an academic style, and is factual and well-structured. I liked the order of the content in setting out the historical context, the "before Freud", and then how Freud's thinking became influential and controversial. It gives a summary of Freud's work in the field of psychoanalysis, and importantly sets out some key criticism to ensure the reader gets a balanced overview before bringing the work to its present context.

I studied psychology at university and so was already familiar with many of the concepts in this book. I'd recommend this to students of psychology, and anyone interested in finding out more about the life and work of Sigmund Freud. There are useful key point summaries at the end of each chapter, as well as a glossary.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my personal review.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always wanted to learn more about Sigmund Freud as I learnt about him when I was studying for my HNC in Health and Social Care Level 4. So when this book Knowledge in a Nutshell: Sigmund Freud By Alan Porter became available to read and review I had to request it. This book was excellent - Sigmund's way of thinking is still used in today's life.

I highly recommend this book especially if you would like to know more about this man who I called strange until I learnt more about his ways and what they meant!

Big thank you to Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for an advance copy for a review.

[J.A. A Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating primer to Sigmund Freud

This is the perfect book to introduce Freud, his development to psychoanalysis and how his theories extended to others areas of life beside the individual. After first reading the interpretation of dreams I struggle to grasp it and after reading this book it became a revelation to better understanding his work and a greater appreciation for it. To understand Freud and his theories and not get wrapped up by his Oedipus complex, and make attacks against his obsession with sexual infantile wishes but rather pick up this book, read his other works, and then see the larger connection it makes about the individual and society.

[Jacqueline Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve studied many of these issues whilst doing my psychology degree. Freud fascinates me even though he has some controversial beliefs and ideals. I would read this over and over again.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, I really wish I had this as I studied Psychology, because I loved reading about Sigmund Freud and what a stir he caused in the field. This is very informative, call it a compact guide that you can read and reflect on.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowledge in a Nutshell: Sigmund Freud is a clear and concise study of Sigmund Freud. This is a interesting and quick read.