The Mythology Surrounding Freud and Klein

Charlotte Schwartz's Mythologies Surrounding Freud and Klein: Implications for Psychoanalysis is both important and timely. It sets out, boldly and convincingly, to reverse conventional psychoanalytic history, positing Freud as much more engaged with object relations than is usually thought, and Melanie Klein as more of a drive theorist than is generally conceded. Brilliantly argued with uncommon good sense, the book probes in detail the theories and case studies of Freud and Klein before going on to examine the positions of later figures in the context of its main arguments. Schwartz's lifetime dedication to psychoanalytic theory and practice is evident on every page. Her book is a model of clarity, a joy to read, and a passionate call for a re-assessment of the truisms that perpetuate ignorance. -- Tony Pipolo, PhD, private practice and editor of The Psychoanalytic Review