An Elementary Textbook of Psychoanalysis

Rating:
Summary: A basic exposition of Freudian pschoanalytic theory
Review: "An Elementary Textbook of Psychoanalysis" (ETP) is an explanatory introduction to the fundamentals of traditional Freudian psychoanalytic theory. Brenner faithfully remains close to Freud's thoughts using terms seen infrequently today (e.g., parapraxis, cathexis, dream censor). Averring psychoanalysis a "scientific discipline," ETP focuses on the presentation and defense of Freudian psychoanalysis buttressed by many examples. Noteworthy is the careful attention given to avoid an anachronistic presentation of ideas. Beginning with the foundational hypotheses of psychic determinism and unconscious mental processes, the majority of the book delineates drive theory, the psychic apparatus and dreams. These chapters comprise its most valuable parts. Though originally published in 1955, ETP's enduring quality is perhaps attributable to Brenner's disciple-like adherence to Freud and his pedagogical motive.

Rating:
Summary: A basic exposition of Freudian pschoanalytic theory
Review: "An Elementary Textbook of Psychoanalysis" (ETP) is an explanatory introduction to the fundamentals of traditional Freudian psychoanalytic theory. Brenner faithfully remains close to Freud's thoughts using terms seen infrequently today (e.g., parapraxis, cathexis, dream censor). Averring psychoanalysis a "scientific discipline," ETP focuses on the presentation and defense of Freudian psychoanalysis buttressed by many examples. Noteworthy is the careful attention given to avoid an anachronistic presentation of ideas. Beginning with the foundational hypotheses of psychic determinism and unconscious mental processes, the majority of the book delineates drive theory, the psychic apparatus and dreams. These chapters comprise its most valuable parts. Though originally published in 1955, ETP's enduring quality is perhaps attributable to Brenner's disciple-like adherence to Freud and his pedagogical motive.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent indepth look at Psychoanalysis...
Review: Are you having trouble understanding Psychoanalysis? This text may help. I wouldn't recommend this book to the lay person though. It contains some complex vocabulary that only most Psychologists understand. For begining graduate and some undergraduate students, this book covers all of the Freudian Theory (unconscious, dreams, etc.) for an intellectually stimulting time. The author also goes over some of the "hard times" that Frued's theories have undergone, and has some examples of the "Psuedo-scientific" approach to explaining affect and behaviors. Some good case examples to apply the Psychoanalytic Theory to clinical practice.

Rating:
Summary: The best introduction to psychoanalysis I've read
Review: If you've ever wondered what "ego", "id", "projection", and all the other psychoanalytic vocabulary meant, and wanted a book which thoughtfully assumed you were a novice, this is it. Brenner writes in a very readable style, and assumes that the reader is new to the field, so he is clear and expressive in his development, but never insults the reader's intelligence. He also gives examples of the ideas he writes about, bringing them alive, rather than leaving them as theoretical constructs. If you want to go further into psychoanalysis, want to understand the theories for their relevance to literature, film and other arts, or just want to be conversant in an otherwise arcane lexicon, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: The best introduction to psychoanalysis I've read
Review: If you've ever wondered what "ego", "id", "projection", and all the other psychoanalytic vocabulary meant, and wanted a book which thoughtfully assumed you were a novice, this is it. Brenner writes in a very readable style, and assumes that the reader is new to the field, so he is clear and expressive in his development, but never insults the reader's intelligence. He also gives examples of the ideas he writes about, bringing them alive, rather than leaving them as theoretical constructs. If you want to go further into psychoanalysis, want to understand the theories for their relevance to literature, film and other arts, or just want to be conversant in an otherwise arcane lexicon, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Basic and not up to date
Review: This is a very basic introduction and leaves out adequate coverage of object relations and Self Psychology which are breathing new life into Psychoanalysis. (Kernberg and Kohut)

A better introduction which covers much more and is more readable is Anthony Bateman and Jeremy Holmes "Introduction to Psychoanalysis"