Freud on Women

Ever since Freud made his first major statements about female sexuality and psychology, his views have been the focus of intense debate—both within psychoanalysis and without.

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By now, the lines of battle have become so many and so criss-crossed that it is not easy to see the original causus belli clearly. This anthology will encourage current and new generations of debaters, and discourage the circulation of simplistic versions of what Freud supposedly said about women.

Chronologically arranged, this first volume to collect Freud's writing about women shows clearly how his views arose, then were refined, systematized, and revised. Certain theories stayed constant—such as the notion of universal bisexuality—while others changed. Elisabeth Young-Breuhl, in her comprehensive introduction, illuminates the theory and tracks the core elements. Each selection, based on the James Strachey translation, carries a brief commentary; and an annotated bibliography covers field developments since Freud's death. While appreciating the genius of Freud, this anthology aims not to present a point of view but to allow readers to discern for themselves the evolution of Freud's thinking.