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Over forty years ago Anna Freud gave a series of nine lectures on psychoanalysis at Harvard University. There is no evidence that these were prepared except in her head, and it seems likely - as was often the case - that she did not speak from notes. They were, however, recorded on tape and later copied on cassettes, and it is these that have been transcribed to form the present book. Professor Joseph Sandler has edited them with care and skill, and Talcott Parsons, Chairman of the Department of Social Relations at Harvard, provides an introduction. The whole publishing enterprise is very worth while.
The lectures retain the liveliness and freshness that characterised Anna Freud's spoken talks, and in spite of the lapse of time give a remarkably succinct and impressive picture of classical psychoanalytis. There have of course been many developments within the classical framework since these lecture were given, particularly in the field of child development; but the lectures have lost none of their force as an introduction to the field. They cover in admirably lucid fashion all the basic psychoanalytic concepts, and will appeal not only to those coming to the subject for the very first time but provide a compact yet remarkably comprehensive refresher course for those looking for a review of basic classical principles.
Anna Freud started her professional life as a teacher, and a teacher she always remained. The publication of these lectures is a lasting reminder of an inimitable and engaging style that captivated with a deceptive but telling simplicity.
Clifford Yorke
South Moreton