PSYCHOANALYSIS FOR BEGINNERS: A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis & Dream Psychology (ePub)

Sigmund Freud, born on May 6, 1856, in Freiberg, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and now Príbor, Czech Republic, is hailed as the father of psychoanalysis. Freud's revolutionary thinking on the workings of the human psyche reshaped the field of psychology and left an indelible mark on the wider cultural landscape (Gay, 1988). Freud's work often focused on the unconscious mind and sought to understand the influence it has on human behavior and development. His theories on the Oedipus complex, defense mechanisms, and libido were groundbreaking, although they also provoked controversy and debate. Among Freud's extensive literary corpus, 'A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis' and 'Dream Psychology' exemplify his endeavors to make his complex theories accessible to a broader audience (Freud, 1920). 'Psychoanalysis for Beginners' consolidates fundamental Freudian concepts, delivering a comprehensive overview of psychoanalytic theory. Freud's literary style combines meticulous analysis with engaging prose, reflecting his dedication to explicating the intricacies of the mind to both professional colleagues and the general public. Freud passed away on September 23, 1939, in London, but his legacy persists, influencing disciplines ranging from psychology to literature, and continuing to provoke thought and analysis in the realms of the human condition.