Description
Book SynopsisMany view Sigmund Freud as an elitist whose psychoanalytic treatment was reserved for the intellectually and financially advantaged. This work presents a different picture of Freud and early psychoanalytic movement. It recovers the history of Freud and other analysts' social activism and their commitment to treating the poor and working classes.
Trade ReviewHistorians and readers with a grasp of psychoanalysis will discover a gold mine. Essential for academic collections in psychology and modern European history. Library Journal [Danto's] meticulous research and awesome grasp of the movement's early days... give a surprisingly nimble account. -- Nathan Deuel Village Voice Danto's portrait of psychoanalysis between the two world wars does us a great service... We have much to learn from these pioneers, and Elizabeth Ann Danto deserves our thanks for bringing their efforts to our attention. -- Paul M. Brinich PsycCRITIQUES Danto's meticulously researched year-by-year account of the spread of these psychoanalytic clinics focuses on Freud's pioneering, idealistic, socially committed side. -- Christopher Turner London Review of Books A crucial corrective to the view of psychoanalysis as politically inert and socially disengaged. Choice Danto's book is inspiring in highlighting how a generation of analysts sought to grasp the sources of human misery. -- Ritchie Robertson Times Literary Supplement A must read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis and progressive social responsibility. Psychologist-Psychoanalyst Danto's work will take its place as a classic work in the history of psychoanalytic thought. -- William Borden Psychoanalytic Social Work A dramatic story elegantly told by Danto who has written a compelling, engaging and fascinating account of a largely under-researched aspect of the history of psychoanalysis. With great flair she captures the spirit and ethos of a time when psychoanalysts were committed to a sense of civic responsibility. Social History of Medicine A book that could stimulate inquiry about the way psychoanalysis addresses the social world, and its own place within it, to the benefit of the field. International Journal of Psychoanalysis A worthwhile and gripping story. -- Leslie Leighninger Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare A welcome addition to the literature. -- Eric J. Engstrom H-Net A book that deserves to be more widely read. -- Richard Ruth The Maryland Psychologist Interesting and challenging reading for the question of the social impact of psychoanalysis. -- W. W. Meissner, S.J., M.D. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic Freud's Free Clinics makes a worthwhile contribution to the historiography of psychoanalysis. -- Greg Eghigian H-Ideas
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments "The Conscience of Society"-Introduction 1. 1918-1922: Society Awakes 2. 1923-1932: The Most Gratifying Years 3. 1933-1938: Termination Notes Bibliography Index
