Customer Reviews

Freud for Beginners

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(See page 79 for explanation and a very funny illustration of the second stage of psychosexual development). This book, in addition to being very informative, is also incredibly funny. Very well written and drawn; though in the form of a comic book, it is nevertheless a splendid introduction to Freud's life and work. The author and illustrator are quite witty as well as knowledgeable, and in this book they have succeeded at what should be the goal of all beginners' book writers: piqued my interest in the subject and made me want to learn more. Would be a great supplementary text in a course on Freud or on psychology/psychoanalysis in general. Highly recommended!

The 'xxx for beginners' are marvellous not just because they give you a valuable grounding in forbidding subjects, allowing you to approach primary texts with more confidence, but because they are so entertaining, even in subjects you have little interest in. Though this book is a much-needed introduction to and exposition of Freud's basic theories, making you feel clever as you join the dots you always knew were there but for the intimidating jargon, the real joy is in the irreverent presentation, especially the illustrations. These are full of in-jokes about Freud's life and times which are not always treated explicitely in the text, as well as being technically expert, imaginative and, sometimes, bracingly shocking. So while it is pleasing, in these anti-Freudian times, to be reminded of the man's incalculable importance and influence, the illustrations offer an in-built critique that puts everything in perspective. Great fun.

I got this book for my daughter, who had developed an interest in Freud from a high school psychology class. In her words, it's "really good!" With engaging illustrations, it covers all the basic Freudian concepts and the development of Freud's thought in a clear and comprehensive way, and also contains helpful suggestions for further reading. Don't let the "comic book" style put you off -- this volume is a serious introduction Freud's work.

I'd completed a Psy 101 class with a glossing over of Freud and I just wanted to cement in some concepts and possible inspire some additional readings. I was impressed that the language used was easy but not insulting. The glossary in the back was handy. The commical pictures helped to quickly illustrate the points being made. I read cover to cover and found myself laughing out loud a few times. While Freud certainly is interesting, I am now moving on to read some others written about in the series. A few of the pictures I thought would be nice to have as a fun note card; some illustrations were just overboard. I certainly would not want a child or teen to come across the pictures in this book. Definately served it's purpose and inspired me to read more.

This book is just a book, but a better book than its successor of the same title by Richard Osborne. Mostly because it does not hang onto the relationship between Jung and Freud as long and focuses more on the theories of Freud. In fact, what I really enjoyed about this book is that gave a good round about summary of most of Freuds theories inside each book. Certainly acts a good stepping stone for those who need to know Freud in a hurry and wants the gist of his work. Richard Appignanesi displays good understanding of Freuds work and summarizes it well and concise. Reccomended for the prodigal psychologist.

The pictures were fun (especially pg. 79) and the text clear and informative. This book has explained some Freudian concepts better than some of my classes in college have! Fun and stimulating at the same time... what more could someone ask for?

promt delivery. recommended by one of my tutors at university. frank easy to read, some of the illustrations made me smile but i found them easy to remember.