"Probably the best philosophical introduction into the central ideas and concepts of Freud’s theories and practice." - The Guardian
Praise for the first edition:
"Jonathan Lear is one of the most subtle and original thinkers in psychoanalysis. So a book by him simply called Freud should attract everyone is at all psychoanalytically minded. They will not be disappointed. This is simply the best introduction to Freud I know." - Marcia Cavell, The International Journal of Psychoanalysis
"This book will be viewed by philosophers interested in psychoanalysis as a major contribution. It will also be read and intensively discussed by many professors of literature and of intellectual history who lecture on Freud." - Richard Rorty
"If I were to answer the question: who, among contemporary psychoanalysts, is best qualified to write an introduction to Freud as a philosopher, my choice would be: Jonathan Lear." - Slavoj Žižek, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
"Jonathan Lear succeeds brilliantly in revealing Freud’s philosophical significance … a philosophically ambitious, passionate and exciting book." - Sebastian Gardner, University College London, UK
"Lear does very well to explain a fundamental modification in Freud's clinical work…this is definitely worthwhile for anyone wanting a serious briefing on the undoubted accomplishment on classical Freudian psychoanalysis." -Joseph Schwartz, New Humanist
"This is a lucid exegesis of Freud's conception of the mind, and a satisfying demonstration of its enduring value. Freud's loudest detractors often seem simply incapable of understanding him; they will no longer have that excuse." - Mark Solms, University of Cape Town, South Africa, and International Neuro-Psychoanalysis Centre, London, UK
"First rate - Lear captures the wider philosophical importance of Freud: how he makes us rethink our conceptions of ourselves as human beings, and the implications of this for morality and religion. A superb volume, and a terrific addition to the series." - John Cottingham, University of Reading, UK
