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There is abundant and rich bibliography on the application of psychoanalysis to literature or the study of characters and authors. The book we are reviewing focuses on the relationship between Freud and writers, companions in the original adventure of investigating the human soul, through imaginative creation accompanied by a persistent search for scientific rigour.
Freud avec les écrivains was written by J.-B. Pontalis (recently deceased) and E. Gómez Mango. Jean-Bertrand Pontalis, philosopher by training, analysed by J. Lacan, was one of the founders of the APF; together with J. Laplanche he published Vocabulaire de la psychanalyse [Vocabulary of Psychoanalysis], now a standard reference work on psychoanalysis. He published several books of essays and fiction, in which he brings together his passion for psychoanalysis and literature. He founded la Nouvelle Revue de Psychanalyse and edited the collection Connaissance de l'inconscient by Gallimard. Edmundo Gómez Mango, born in Uruguay, has lived in Paris since 1976, has academic training in literature, is a doctor in psychiatry and a psychoanalyst, and a full member of the APF; he has published many books on psychoanalysis and literature with special sensitivity for social questions.
The title, Freud avec les écrivains, expresses a relationship of collaboration and company, which reflects the bond of Freud's respect, admiration and affection towards many writers, their lives, ideals and their works. The book recognizes the debt psychoanalysis owes literature, investigating the strong ties that bind them together. Many authors have had a direct influence on Freud through his readings - Shakespeare, Goethe, Schiller, Heine, Hoffman and Dostoevsky; others through personal relationships or via correspondence - Zweig, Schnitzler, Rolland and Mann. Gómez Mango and Pontalis show a profound knowledge of literature and document with precision their influence on Freud's thinking. Towards the end of the essay they also consi