The Freud-Klein Controversies 1941-45

Summary

Following Freud's death in 1939, the radical theories of Melanie Klein were the subject of prolonged controversy and fierce debate within the British Psychoanalytical Society. At the time, individuals fought passionately in support of their positions.

In the midst of, or as a result of, the personal animosities and political manoeuvrings, important intellectual contributions were made, and practical decisions taken, which were to affect the development of psychoanalysis down to the present day.

The Freud-Klein Controversies 1941-45 offers the first complete record of the debate, including all relevant papers and correspondence, based on previously closed archive material which is presented without censorship.

Table of Contents

King, Biographical Notes. Preface and Acknowledgements. King, Introduction. Section One: The Evolution of Controversies in the British Psycho-Analytical Society. Section Two: First Series of Scientific Discussions on Controversial Issues. Section Three: Scientific Controversies and the Training of Candidates. Section Four: Second Series of Scientific Discussions on Controversial Issues. Section Five: Reorganization after the Controversies. References. Name Index. Subject Index.

Reviews

"A meticulously researched work of great importance." - Dr Harold Blum, Director of the Sigmund Freud Archives

"This book has been meticulously edited by King and Steiner, who both provide clear and helpful introductions to each section....no psychoanalytic library can be complete without it. It makes for exhaustive, exhausting and fascinating reading." - Noel Hess

"The publication of the "Discussions" is an event of special significance, for the issues considered are as alive today as they were at the time they took place." - Joseph Sandler, former Freud Memorial Professor of Psychoanalysis, University of London

"Steiner and King have performed and invaluable service by bringing these documents before the public, and their significance will not easily be exhausted by the readers who are sure to pore over them." - Peter Rudnytsky, London Review of Books

"Who would have thought a near thousand page archive could be so dramatic?....Its gripping power stems from the volume seizing on issues which, however buried, are still very much alive today. And for this its editors are to be congratulated for organising their material so well." - Janet Sayers, British Journal of Psychotherapy

"The most important document from post-Freudian psychoanalysis." - André Green, Member of the Paris Psychoanalytical Society and Honorary member of the British Psychoanalytic Society, UK