Three Papers of W.R. Bion

Three Papers of W.R. Bion features two previously unpublished papers and one that has only previously appeared in The Complete Works of W. R. Bion (2014). These papers illustrate important aspects of Bion's later thinking and show him using his key ideas in fresh contexts. The first paper, "Memory and Desire," clarifies the value of suspending elements of memory and desire in the service of allowing openness to psychoanalytic intuition. The second paper, "Negative Capability," was reformulated to become the final chapter of his 1970 book Attention and Interpretation. The third paper, "Break Up, Break Down, Break Through," was presented without notes in 1976 and offers a fascinating contribution to the study of the turbulence that obeys no man-made "laws of nature." Bion's writing continues to be read and re-read by an increasing and widening readership, and these papers possess contemporary clinical relevance and each have a bearing on the philosophical basis of psychoanalytical work and thinking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 58 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Three Papers of W.R. Bion is a collection of previously unpublished papers and one that has only previously appeared in The Complete Works of W.R. Bion (2014). These writings are characterized by Bion's directness, clarity, and intensity, and they illustrate significant aspects of his later thinking. They also showcase Bion's innovative use of his key ideas in fresh contexts, allowing readers already familiar with his theoretical and clinical concepts to appreciate them from a new perspective.

The first paper, "Memory and Desire," clarifies one of Bion's most important and clinically relevant ideas: the value of suspending elements of our memory and desire in the service of allowing openness to psychoanalytic intuition. This idea is central to Bion's clinical approach and has profound implications for the therapeutic process. The second paper, "Negative Capability," was reformulated to become the final chapter of his 1970 book Attention and Interpretation. The publication of the original paper here allows for an interesting and rewarding three-way comparison to be made with the 1970 chapter, as well as with "Memory and Desire." The third paper, "Break Up, Break Down, Break Through," was presented without notes in 1976 in Los Angeles, and the transcript from the recorded talk is published here for the first time. It displays the complex interweaving of the personal and the theoretical and offers a fascinating contribution to the study of what Bion called the turbulence that obeys no man-made "laws of nature."

Wilfred R. Bion's writing continues to be read and re-read by an increasing and widening readership, and the three papers presented here possess contemporary clinical relevance. Each of these papers has a bearing on the underlying philosophical basis of psychoanalytical work and thinking, making them essential reading for anyone interested in the field.

In conclusion, Three Papers of W.R. Bion is a valuable addition to the literature on psychoanalysis and Bion's work. These papers showcase Bion's brilliance, creativity, and profound insights into the human mind and psyche. They offer valuable perspectives on clinical practice, philosophical inquiry, and the nature of human experience. By presenting these papers in their original form, this collection provides a unique opportunity for readers to engage with Bion's thought in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Weight: 110g
Dimension: 216 x 151 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138615052