Although these discussions fall into the beginning period of the psychoanalytic

movement, this book has more than purely historical value. The ideas expressed then are still valid today. Perhaps the boldest contribution was made by Stekel who stated: “No one kills himself who did not want to kill another, or, at least, wishes death to another.” This principle of talion, expressed then as a most daring concept, is now universally accepted.

Freud made only a few comments. It was only later, when he published his theories on mourning and melancholia, that the finer details concerning the relationship between sadism and suicide became clearer. Of historical interest is the fact that Alfred Adler wrote the preface to this book. The volume will be a welcome addition to any psychoanalytic library.