Sigmund Freud: Pioneer of the Mind

Sigmund Freud: Pioneer of the Mind. By Catherine Reef. Clarion Books, 2001. 160 pages. Tr. $19.00  ISBN 978-0618017621

Summary: Sigmund Freud is one of the great thinkers of all time. His late-nineteenth-and-early-twentieth-century experiments profoundly altered our way of treating the mentally ill. Instead of subjecting patients to water treatments or electric shock therapy, Freud listened to his patients’ problems. This radical patient-centered method was called psychoanalysis. Freud also studied the unconscious, arguing that much of our actions can be explained by inner-forces. By bringing these thoughts to the surface, psychiatrists can aid patients in real change. His theories on dreams and sexuality, expanded upon his work on the unconscious. Many modern mental health professionals have criticized Freud’s theories. However, without Freud’s work our understanding of unconscious processes would be greatly impaired. A lot of psychological theories rest on Freud’s work.

Standard(s): California Grade 7 - 2.0 Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials); Grade 8 - 2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics - Structural Features of Informational Materials 2.1 Understand and analyze the differences in structure and purpose between various categories of informational materials (e.g., textbooks, newspapers, instructional manuals, signs).  2.3 Write research reports: a. Define a thesis. b. Record important ideas, concepts, and direct quotations from significant information sources and paraphrase and summarize all perspectives on the topic, as appropriate. c. Use a variety of primary and secondary sources and distinguish the nature and value of each. d. Organize and display information on charts, maps, and graphs.

Suggested Age Range: 10-14 years

Annotation: Reef’s biography of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) is a fascinating account of his life and work. Freud’s theories on dreams, sexuality, and unconscious memories, are outlined against the backdrop of European history. We witness Freud as he struggles against Viennese anti-Semitism. The controversy surrounding Freud’s theories are discussed, as are his contributions to the nascent field of psychoanalysis. Reef concludes that, while current psychologists have criticized much of Freud’s work, Freud’s contribution to the field cannot be denied. Unconscious factors play a cardinal role in human behavior, and understanding these hidden forces at work is essential towards developing meaningful and efficacious methods of treatment.

Subjects/Themes: Sigmund Freud – Biography; Psychoanalysis; Austria

Awards: Sydney Taylor Book Award (2001)

            National Jewish Book Awards Nominee (2005)

Reviews: Voice of Youth Advocates (October 1, 2001)

            School Library Journal (August 1, 2001)

            Booklist (July 1, 2001)

            Publishers Weekly (May 14, 2001)

High Interest Annotation: Sigmund Freud’s life story is paired with his work, resulting in an engaging, tween-friendly book.