The Interpretation of Dreams

One hundred years ago Sigmund Freud published The Interpretations of Dreams a book that like Darwins The Origin of Species revolutionized our understanding of human nature Now this groundbreaking new translation--the first to be based on the original text published in November --brings us a more readable more accurate and more coherent picture of Freuds masterpiece The first edition of The Interpretation of Dreams is much shorter than its subsequent editions each time the text was reissued from onwards Freud added to it The most significant and in many ways the most unfortunate addition is a -page section devoted to the kind of mechanical reading of dream symbolism--long objects equal male genitalia etc--that has gained popular currency and partially obscured Freuds more profound insights into dreams In the original version presented here Freuds emphasis falls more clearly on the use of words in dreams and on the difficulty of deciphering them Without the strata of later additions readers will find here a clearer development of Freuds central ideas--of dream as wish-fulfillment of the dreams manifest and latent content of the retelling of dreams as a continuation of the dreamwork and much more Joyce Cricks translation is lighter and faster-moving than previous versions enhancing the sense of dialogue with the reader one of Freuds stylistic strengths and allowing us to follow Freuds theory as it evolved through difficult cases apparently intractable counter-examples and fascinating analyses of Freuds own dreams The restoration of Freuds classic is a major event giving us in a sense a new work by one of this century most startling original and influential thinkersAbout the Series For over years Oxford Worlds Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe Each affordable volume reflects Oxfords commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities voluminous notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study and much more.