The historiography of psychoanalysis

This work will be valuable to psychoanalysts and the broader intellectual community seeking to understand the significant shifts in opinion stemming from Freud's contributions. Freud's legacy remains fiercely debated, with his ideas continuing to influence contemporary moral and ethical discussions. Transitioning from the historical context of psychoanalysis to a scholarly examination poses challenges, as there is limited effort to analyze Freud and his followers within intellectual history. Despite psychiatry's evolving direction, Freud's perspectives still draw interest in regions previously untouched by psychoanalysis. Clarifying the strengths and limitations of his approach is essential. The author begins by exploring Freud's personality and reassessing earlier work on Freud and his followers. He analyzes "Freud Studies," appraisals, and correspondence between Freud and key figures, including Silberstein and Jones. Interviews with notable individuals such as Michael Balint and Donald W. Winnicott further enrich the narrative. The book also investigates Freud's reception in various countries and reviews literature on psychoanalysis's history. New documents reveal fresh interpretations and historical evidence, making this meticulously constructed work relevant to psychoanalysts, intellectual historians, and those interested in the evolution of ideas.