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Basic Psychoanalytic Concepts on the Theory of Instincts (Hampstead Clinic Psychoanalytic Library)

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Each volume in the Hampstead Clinic Psychoanalytic Library takes a single theme or group of concepts in Freud's thought and traces its development. Wherever possible Freud's own words have been used and references are always given to his own works, thus enabling the reader to pursue any subject in a minimum of time. The preparation of these volumes entailed six years' active callaboration between fifteen analysts and therapists from the Hampstead Child Therapy Clinic under the chairmanship of Dr. Humberto Nagera. They have subsequently proved to be of enormous use to students, teachers and researchers in the fields of psychoanalysis, psychiatry, psychology, child development and social work. This volume describes in condensed but detailed form Freud's development of the theory of instincts. As is well known, Freud reformulated and amplified his theory of instincts at several points during his lifetime. In this volume, the reader will be able to follow the development of Freud's thought from his initial discovery of the duality of 'sexual' and 'ego instincts' and his recognition of the fundamental importance of the aggressive forces in human nature and behaviour, to the formulation of his theories regarding life and death.