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This volume, containing the “dialogues” with the Reverend Oskar Pfister, is another contribution to our knowledge of Freud's thinking. Pfister, a Swiss Protestant pastor, became interested in psychoanalysis as early as 1909; he was the first clergyman ever to study Freud's concepts and to apply them in his pastoral work. From 1909 to 1937, there was a regular correspondence between the two men. Whatever letters were still available have been published in this volume. Unfortunately, only a few of Pfister's letters have been preserved so that the majority of the communications are by Freud.
In spite of disagreement about the concept of religion between the “unrepentant heretic” Freud, and Pfister with his positive outlook on religion, Freud's liking of Pfister and Pfister's admiration of Freud contributed to the permanence of their friendly relationship. It is superfluous to mention how outspoken and often rigid Freud was in his opinions; it is significant, however, that Pfister did not easily yield and that he was very outspoken in expressing his viewpoint.
In reply to Freud's “Future of an Illusion,” Pfister took a strong stand in his book Illusion of a Future. A compromise between the two men must have resulted after Freud's statement: “Psychoanalysis is neither religious nor non-religious but an impartial tool which both priest and layman can use in the service of the sufferer.”
This new volume, well edited by Heinrich Meng, one of the pioneers of psychoanalysis, and by Freud's son Ernst, will be interesting reading for those who want to learn more about Freud's personality. The small number of Pfister's letters in comparison to Freud's is a shortcoming. The reader's anticipation of learning about psychoanalysis and faith will not be fulfilled, but the book does present a very human aspect of Freud's personality.