I have really enjoyed this short and intriguing book. Ms Hughes, who seems to be primarily an academic rather than a practitioner, argues that Freud was forced into gradually developing his views of the mind-body relationship as he attempted to formulate his patients' difficulties, and she traces these developments through the case studies.

The case studies are summarized only but it is refreshing to have them all brought together in one place. The way Freud's work grew is outlined boldly and confidently and themes are linked together from case to case. Ms Hughes shows great depth of knowledge through her use not only of the case histories but also of the surrounding material, including letters, all that has been published about the various patients and, particularly interesting, Freud's self analysis. Her ability to handle and contain this