Freud and Psychoanalysis

W. W. Meissner, S.J., M.D. (1931-2010) was University Professor of Psychoanalysis at Boston College and Training and Supervising Analyst Emeritus at Boston Psychoanalytic Institute. He is the author of many books, including The Cultic Origins of Christianity: The Dynamics of Religious Development; and The Therapeutic Alliance: The Vital Element of Clinical Practice.

"Throughout the book, Meissner presents his complex material in clear, judiciously chosen language which, whilst often laden with jargon, is almost always accessible and intelligible. At his best, Meissner's exposition of Freud is genuinely illuminating and stimulating." —The Heythrop Journal"Meissner's Freud and Psychoanalysis gives a thorough and balanced view of its topic and renders difficult and complex material accessible an even inviting to the neophyte." —Freud Studies"[A] useful introductory manual on Freud's basic theories and a brief overview of his psychoanalytic technique. [A]n interesting, informative, and readable survey of the basic tenets of psychoanalytic theory from a classical, scientific perspective." —Journal of Phenomenological Psychology"This relatively short book is really a primer on psychoanalysis, along the lines of Brenner's (1955) and Waelder's (1960) classic texts. Although similar to these books in offering an overview and explanation of Freud's theories, it has the advantage of summarizing the post-Freudian development of psychoanalysis as well, particularly recent thinking. . . . an excellent resource for teaching. . . . The main strength of this book is that it provides a comprehensive yet succinct overview and critique of various schools of thought within psychoanalysis by someone who has spent a good part of his life thinking and writing about it." —American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry"Meissner (Boston College) offers one of the best summaries available of the development of Freud's thought and of post-Freudian psychoanalytic developments. It is more advanced and more comprehensive in treating Freud than Raymond Francher's Psychoanalytic Psychology: The Development of Freud's Thought (CH, Mar'64) and David Stafford-Clark's What Freud Really Said (CH,Oct'67) ... Meissner's is now the book to recommend to upper-division undergraduates through faculty for a comprehensive survey of psychoanalytic thought." —Choice"Meissner summarizes the findings and theories of psychoanalysis in a contemporary context while emphasizing significant historical roots. He does so in a comprehensive way, covering and evaluating many important trends and theoretical perspectives. His book is thus an excellent compendium of many classical and modern views." —Psychoanalytic Quarterly