Reich for Beginners

Writers & Readers Documentary Comic Book #27

by David Zane Mairowitz

Illustrated comic book

Genres: Psychology, Biography, Comics

Paperback

First published March 1, 1986

About the author

Mairowitz is a writer who studied English Literature and Philosophy at Hunter College, New York, and Drama at the University of California, Berkeley.

He is the author of the plays "The Law Circus" (1969 and "Flash Gordon and the Angels" (1971). Other works include "BAMN: Outlaw Manifestos and Ephemera 1965-70," "The Radical Soap Opera: Roots of Failure in the American Left," "Kafka for Beginners" and "Introducing Camus."

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Wilhelm Reich; some very strange ideas, but strangely some of his theories have gained traction over the years. I have tried to read Reich several times; and am still confused as to the core conceptual perspective he advocates. A German speaking friend of mine assured me that he is extremely confusing to follow in German - oh well - Wer zwei Hasen auf einmal jagt bekommt keinen!

[Matthew Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even handed review of the life of a peculiar individual.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenho este livro há quase 30 anos. Li-o na faculdade e agora voltei a pegar nele, já nem sei porquê. Faz parte duma colecção antiga que poderá ter inspirado aquela para totós. Acho piada porque o livro parece um caderno de apontamentos. O Wilhelm Reich é uma personagem interessante que vale a pena descobrir. Vou voltar a ler o "Escuta, Zé Ninguém", embora nao o esteja a encontrar no meio da loucura da minha biblioteca😎

[Dan Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to an interesting, worthwhile, under-appreciated subject.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked it! The art style reminded me of Alison Bechdel to the point that I wondered if she was influenced by the author/artist. Point deducted from the weird conclusion that seemed to arguing that maybe Reich’s craziness has been vindicated and we should be relieved that people are more influenced by the craziness than his position on FREE BIRTH CONTROL or LEGALIZING ABORTION.

[Denise Schlachtaub · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good primer for studying Reich, this book presents the reader with concise snippets of the ideas and politics that influenced his work and shaped his life.

[Eric Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction -- in graphic novel format -- to the life and work of Wilhelm Reich, a brilliant psychoanalyst and a man who attempted to reconcile the teachings of Freud and Marx. His later years were characterised by some very crazy ideas, but his earlier work is of great interest. In my view, Reich remains relevant to understanding how the far Right in the USA and elsewhere, obsessed as it is with sexual repression (opposition to gay marriage, abortion, etc), manages to win support from millions of working people.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic overview, wild story