Occultism and the Origins of Psychoanalysis: Freud, Ferenczi and the Challenge of Thought Transference

Pierri connects modern psychoanalytic practice with Freud's occult interests, assessing the origins of key psychoanalytic ideas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pierri establishes a compelling connection between modern psychoanalytic practice and Freud's profound interests in the occult, utilizing a wealth of primary sources that have remained unpublished in English until now. In his comprehensive analysis, Pierri delves into the historical roots of key psychoanalytic concepts, shedding light on the influences and inspirations that shaped Freud's intellectual journey.

Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Pierri uncovers previously unknown aspects of Freud's intellectual pursuits, providing a fresh perspective on the origins of psychoanalytic theory. He explores the profound influence of occultism on Freud's thought, tracing the threads of symbolism, mythology, and religious beliefs that permeated his work. Pierri also assesses the impact of these influences on the development of psychoanalytic theory, highlighting how they shaped Freud's understanding of the human psyche, the unconscious, and the mechanisms of psychological transformation.

One of the key insights that Pierri offers is the notion that Freud's occult interests were not merely a passing fascination but rather a deeply embedded aspect of his intellectual framework. He demonstrates how Freud's exploration of the occult influenced his understanding of the human psyche, leading him to develop novel theories and techniques for treating mental illness. Pierri also highlights the enduring relevance of Freud's occultism in contemporary psychoanalysis, emphasizing how it continues to inspire and inform the work of therapists and researchers.

In addition to his historical analysis, Pierri also provides a critical evaluation of psychoanalytic theory and practice. He challenges some of the prevailing assumptions and interpretations of Freud's work, offering alternative perspectives and insights. Pierri's book is a valuable contribution to the field of psychoanalysis, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Freud's intellectual legacy and its enduring impact on psychological understanding and treatment.

Overall, Pierri's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of psychoanalysis. It provides a rich and insightful exploration of Freud's occult interests, their influence on his intellectual development, and their enduring relevance to contemporary psychoanalysis. Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Pierri offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of Freud and his profound impact on the field of psychology.
Pierri's work is a groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between modern psychoanalytic practice and Freud's profound interests in the occult. Through a comprehensive analysis of primary sources, some of which have never before been published in English, Pierri establishes a compelling connection between these two seemingly disparate fields.

In his book, Pierri assesses the origins of key psychoanalytic ideas, delving into the historical roots and influences that shaped Freud's intellectual journey. He explores the profound influence of occultism on Freud's thought, tracing the threads of symbolism, mythology, and religious beliefs that permeated his work. Pierri also assesses the impact of these influences on the development of psychoanalytic theory, highlighting how they shaped Freud's understanding of the human psyche, the unconscious, and the mechanisms of psychological transformation.

One of the key insights that Pierri offers is that Freud's occult interests were not merely a passing fascination but rather a deeply embedded aspect of his intellectual framework. He demonstrates how Freud's exploration of the occult influenced his understanding of the human psyche, leading him to develop novel theories and techniques for treating mental illness. Pierri also highlights the enduring relevance of Freud's occultism in contemporary psychoanalysis, emphasizing how it continues to inspire and inform the work of therapists and researchers.

In addition to his historical analysis, Pierri provides a critical evaluation of psychoanalytic theory and practice. He challenges some of the prevailing assumptions and interpretations of Freud's work, offering alternative perspectives and insights. Pierri's book is a valuable contribution to the field of psychoanalysis, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Freud's intellectual legacy and its enduring impact on psychological understanding and treatment.

Overall, Pierri's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of psychoanalysis. It provides a rich and insightful exploration of Freud's occult interests, their influence on his intellectual development, and their enduring relevance to contemporary psychoanalysis. Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Pierri offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of Freud and his profound impact on the field of psychology.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032159539