Synopses & Reviews
Few historical figures have captured the public imagination as completely as Sigmund Freud. At a time when many ailments of the mind were treated with soothing baths or dangerous electroshock therapy, Freud initiated a novel practice: he simply listened to his patients. He called his method of treatment psychoanalysis, or the talking cure.” Though the validity of Freuds theories is still widely debated, there is little doubt that his contributions to the study of the mind were invaluable. In this compelling, even-handed biography, Catherine Reef explains Freuds groundbreaking theories and methods and shows how Freudian thought has affected our culture, changing the way we think about everything from art and literature to raising children. Beautiful archival family photographs round out this intimate look at a fascinating man. Endnotes, bibliography, index.
Review
Skillfully, Catherine Reef weaves the developing theories of the first psychoanalyst into a chronological report of his eventful life, setting both in the political and social currents of his era. . . .Reef depicts a complex, brillant, and humane man who—though he had evidently been a tyrannical child—became a devoted, well-loved colleague, husband, and parent. With admirable clarity, she presents both his seminal ideas and the objections, refinements, and alternatives to them that are still debated.
Review
Reef has written a number of other biographies for young people, and her book is remarkably evenhanded and thorough without being dry. Like any good biographer, she uses broad brushstrokes to paint a background picture of the world in which Freud lived, including the anti-Semitism that threatened him early and later in life and the strait-laced Victorian attitudes that prevailed during the years he published his most daring works. Perhaps best of all, she skillfully weaves in some of Freud's own densely poetic writing with her carefully distilled definitions of terms. . . .What emerges is an engaging book about Freud the man as well as a solid primer in psychoanalysis.
Review
Effective use of personal details that reveal Freud's intellect, emotions, and personality, plus photos of his family, friends, and professional life, make this book rich and visually appealing.
Review
"Reef makes it clear that although Freud's individual theories mattered greatly, they were less important than his leading us to new ways of looking at ourselves." Booklist, ALA
Reef's piercing biography deftly interprets the life of the father of psychoanalysis and one of the most influential men of the 20th century. . . The text hits controversy head-on. . . Reef distills Freud's theories into comprehensible descriptions and combines a wealth if primary source material and idiosyncratic details to demonstrate his intellect, character and personality.
Publishers Weekly, Starred
Skillfully, Catherine Reef weaves the developing theories of the first psychoanalyst into a chronological report of his eventful life, setting both in the political and social currents of his era. . . .Reef depicts a complex, brillant, and humane man whothough he had evidently been a tyrannical childbecame a devoted, well-loved colleague, husband, and parent. With admirable clarity, she presents both his seminal ideas and the objections, refinements, and alternatives to them that are still debated.
Horn Book, Starred
Quotations from others about him and black-and-white photographs provide an image of Freud not only as a great thinker, but also as a loving devoted father and husband. Reef's descriptions of his struggle to see his ideas accepted, his willingness to experiment with new theories, and his writing literally until he died clearly convey a picture of an indefatiguable spirit with a passion and zest for every facet of life.
School Library Journal
Effective use of personal details that reveal Freud's intellect, emotions, and personality, plus photos of his family, friends, and professional life, make this book rich and visually appealing.
VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
null Children's Books: 100 Titles NYPL
About the Author
Catherine Reef is the author of more than 35 nonfiction books for young people. Her books for Clarion include the highly acclaimed John Steinbeck and Sigmund Freud which was the recipient of the 2002 Sydney Taylor Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries. She lives in College Park, Maryland.