Theme and Variations in Psychoanalysis

• Published in: PsycCritiques Vol. 56; no. 51; p. No Pagination Specified
• Main Author: Hepburn, James M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Psychological Association 21.12.2011
• Subjects: Freud (Sigmund); Freudian Psychoanalytic School; History of Psychology; Human; Psychoanalysis; Psychoanalytic Theory
• ISSN: 1554-0138; 1554-0138
• DOI: 10.1037/a0025796

Reviews the book, From classical to contemporary psychoanalysis: A critique and integration by Morris N. Eagle (see record 2010-09133-000). Psychoanalytic theory and practice continue to appeal to scholars and practitioners alike. A number of important paradigmatic shifts have occurred within the psychoanalytic community during the past decades due to increased scientific sophistication as well as changes in culture and social values. One of the lessons of From classical to contemporary psychoanalysis: A critique and integration, is that Freud’s original psychoanalytic formulations are made more relevant today by virtue of the advancements and variations of psychoanalytic theory introduced over the past 50 years. Indeed, this text is a valuable resource for those interested in fully understanding the psychoanalytic domain, from its earliest formulations to its most current and popular theoretical manifestations. This book is really several texts combined into a single volume: a comprehensive account of Freudian metapsychology and clinical practice, an overview and critique of contemporary psychoanalytic thought within the context of historical and intellectual milieu relevant to each theory, and a thorough critique of each theory. Either one taken on its own would be worth the price of this book. This book is impressive for what it does achieve: a comprehensive assessment and critique of classical psychoanalysis and three important contemporary psychoanalytic theories. It is elegantly argued, intricately researched, well organized, and uncompromising in its analysis. It is a challenging read, but, in this case, the rewards are well worth the effort. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)