Main description:

Sabina Spielrein's writings explore the burning topics in the early days of psychoanalysis while providing insight into the culture of the time and her own personal struggles. After a comprehensive historical and biographical introduction to Spielrein by John Launer, The Essential Writings of Sabina Spielrein: Pioneer of Psychoanalysis presents full-length English translations of her first three and most essential writings, offering deep insight into her brilliant and pioneering mind:

The first unabridged English rendition of her medical dissertation of 1911, entitled "On the Psychological Content of a Case of Schizophrenia (Dementia Praecox)", with an afterword by Adrienne Harris

A new, improved English translation of Spielrein's seminal essay of 1912, "Destruction as the Cause of Becoming"

A faithful English rendition of her 1913 essay "Contributions to Understanding a Child's Mind"

The Essential Writings of Sabina Spielrein: Pioneer of Psychoanalysis presents a rich source of materials and inspiration to psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists and analytical psychologists, as well as scholars in the humanities and the behavioral sciences.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction by John Launer

On the Psychological Content of a Case of Schizophrenia (Dementia Praecox) (1911)

Introduction

Anamnesis (From the Medical History)

The Present State [Status Praesens]

I. "Catholicization"

II. "Psychological-Sistine Experiments"

III. "Histology and its Treatment"

IV. "The Industrial or Economic Question"

V. "Poetry of the Tropics and Water Symbolism"

VI. "Iron, Fire, War"

VII. "Poverty Complex and Garment Symbolism"

VIII. "Discourses from the Medical History"

IX. "Childhood Impressions, Transformation Ideas, Dreams"

Conclusion

Afterword by Adrienne E. Harris

Destruction as the Cause of Becoming (1912)

I. Biological Facts

II. Individual Psychological Observations

III. Life and Death in Mythology

Contributions to Understanding a Child's Mind (1913)

1. Analysis of a Girl

2. Analysis of a Boy

3. Analysis of a Boy