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In this book, a volume within the Psychoanalytic Inquiry Book Series edited by Joseph D. Lichtenberg, Arnold Rachman, psychoanalyst and psychohistorian, compiles a wealth of archival research on Elizabeth Severn and brings forth a rediscovery of one of the most controversial figures of early psychoanalysis. In a concerted effort to rehabilitate both Severn's reputation and the historical account of Sandor Ferenczi's work with her, Dr. Rachman offers a revisionist narrative of their clinical encounter and of Severn's professional life. He also attempts to trace the origins of many key features of contemporary psychoanalysis to Ferenczi's pioneering analysis with Severn, whom he understands to be both a severely traumatized and troubled patient and an insightful and highly intelligent clinical peer of Ferenczi's. Additionally, Dr. Rachman presents the story of his own meticulous and painstaking efforts to retrieve and preserve the Elizabeth Severn Papers, thereby illuminating the complexities of archival review, historical preservation, and dissidence within the field of psychoanalysis.
Dr. Rachman begins by presenting the concept of Todschweigen, which he translates as “death by silence”. This German term, which was suggested to him by his mentor Esther Menaker, describes the long-standing practice of the institutional silencing of theoretical dissidents and individuals who speak out about abuses within the profession. Dr. Rachman situates the presentation of this construct within the narration of his personal experience of navigating authoritarian supervisors and institutional politics while a psychoanalytic candidate in the 1960s. Infused with a desire to challenge hegemonic practices within the profession, Dr. Rachman takes risks by disclosing difficult personal experiences with analysts and supervisors that, for him, exemplify Todschweigen and the oft-described history of authoritarianism in the
field. At times, the tone of his narration conveys a quality of po