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This book is an attempt to present to an interested and intelligent public of laymen the discoveries and theories of Freud. Considering the difficulties of such an undertaking, one may say that this attempt is a success. The contributions of Aichhorn, Alexander, Federn, Jekels, Jones, Landauer and Meng—to mention only some of the authors—live up to the highest standards of popular presentations of scientific subjects.
It is however doubtful whether it is wise to present to a public of laymen the entire structure, including the controversial areas, of a science such as psychoanalysis, which is still in the process of growth. One should in any case mention that certain theories are contested by important groups of full-fledged psychoanalysts in good standing. To include, furthermore, problems of only theoretical or technical interest can only add to the confusion and the resistance of the lay reader.
The book is divided into four parts.
In part I, Psychology, Landauer, developing the concept of death instincts, does not mention a word about the difference of opinion on this subject among psychoanalysts. Alexander's defense against the 'reproach' of pansexualism is not effective either. His