The Rediscovered Psychoanalytic Work of Herbert Silberer: Der Traum — Occult Philosophy

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The Rediscovered Psychoanalytic Work of Herbert Silberer: Der Traum

Name: The Rediscovered Psychoanalytic Work of Herbert Silberer: Der Traum
Price: 190.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780367281113

✍️ Herbert Silberer, Charles Corliss, Zoltan Galsi

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4.6

(1 review)

$190.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Herbert Silberer's seminal 1918 work, "Der Traum," now receives its complete English translation for the first time. Originally delivered as captivating lectures at Vienna's Urania Observatory, this book offers a comprehensive and approachable introduction to dream psychology. Drawing on Silberer's rich clinical practice, the text explores diverse dream theories, introduces his unique concept of the hypnagogic phenomenon, and delves into experimental dream states. Editor Charles Corliss not only presents Silberer's full insights but also provides crucial historical context, rescuing a vital voice in early psychoanalysis from obscurity.

Silberer, Herbert; , Corliss, Charles; , Galsi, Zoltan

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Occult Philosophy

🏛 Routledge 📅 2020 📖 110 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780367281113

Fun Fact

This definitive English translation finally grants Herbert Silberer his rightful place among early psychoanalytic pioneers. Corliss has meticulously brought "Der Traum" to light, enriching it with vital context and making it accessible. While those seeking a purely Freudian or Jungian approach might find his specific theories divergent, anyone interested in the broader history of dream psychology and the fascinating concept of hypnagogic states will find this an indispensable, enlightening read. It's a significant recovery for the field.

📝 Description: The Rediscovered Psychoanalytic Work of Herbert Silberer: Der Traum

Charles Corliss presents, for the first time, the complete English translation of Herbert Silberer's work on dreams, Der Traum: Einführung in die Traumpsychologie. Based on lectures delivered at the majestic Urania Star Observatory in Vienna in 1918, Der Traum was a wide-ranging, accessible introduction to the meaning of dreams, with examples from Silberer's practice providing a rich source of illustration. One hundred years after the work was first published in Silberer's native German, Corliss rescues his voice from obscurity and adds key supplementary information to place the work in context. The book begins with an introduction which surveys the range of Silberer's contributions to psychoanalysis and sets out what is known of his life, before presenting the full original text. Presented in eight parts, each with preliminary remarks by Corliss, the book covers several topics including differing viewpoints on dreams, Silberer's concept of the hypnagogic phenomenon, experimental dreams, and aspects of his own theory. Der Traum ends with a philosophical exploration of how dream content relates to the core moral fiber of our being, with the work as a whole reflecting Silberer's optimistic, depth-oriented, and at times, almost mystical stance. Corliss concludes the book with a reflection on the rich, teleologically optimistic, and refreshingly panoramic value of Der Traum. This unique book will be of interest to analytical psychologists and Jungian psychotherapists in practice and training, as well as to academics and students of Jungian studies and the history of psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic studies, theology, philosophy, and the history of psychology.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This volume is a significant archival rescue, yet it may not suit readers seeking quick, practical dream dictionaries or modern neuroscientific explanations. It is best appreciated by those with an interest in the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought and the specific intellectual climate of Vienna. While Corliss provides necessary context, the text remains firmly rooted in early 20th-century theory, which might feel dated to contemporary practitioners looking for cutting-edge techniques. It is a scholarly treasure rather than a casual guide, rewarding patience with profound historical insight into how dream psychology was originally conceptualized and taught.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in the historical roots of psychoanalysis will find immense value in this long-overdue English translation. It serves as an accessible entry point for those fascinated by the hypnagogic phenomenon and experimental dream states, offering a comprehensive view of Silberer's clinical insights. By rescuing a vital voice from obscurity, the book provides essential context for understanding early dream psychology. Scholars and enthusiasts alike will appreciate the editor’s efforts to present these pioneering lectures in their full glory, making complex theoretical concepts approachable without sacrificing depth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are a student of psychoanalysis, a Jungian enthusiast, or simply captivated by the mysteries of the unconscious, this book is for you. Delve into the accessible yet profound insights of a pivotal, often overlooked, figure in the early history of dream psychology.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This volume is a significant archival rescue, yet it may not suit readers seeking quick, practical dream dictionaries or modern neuroscientific explanations. It is best appreciated by those with an interest in the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought and the specific intellectual climate of Vienna. While Corliss provides necessary context, the text remains firmly rooted in early 20th-century theory, which might feel dated to contemporary practitioners looking for cutting-edge techniques. It is a scholarly treasure rather than a casual guide, rewarding patience with profound historical insight into how dream psychology was originally conceptualized and taught.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Silberer specifically designed "Der Traum" as an accessible introduction to the subject, and Charles Corliss's supplementary remarks in this edition further enhance its clarity and contextual understanding for newcomers to psychoanalytic thought.

While sharing common ground in exploring symbolism and the unconscious, Silberer's particular emphasis on experimental dreams and the hypnagogic phenomenon offers a distinct and often overlooked pathway into understanding the mind's nocturnal workings, providing a complementary perspective to both Freudian and Jungian theories.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Diverse Dream Interpretations

Silberer meticulously examines the various viewpoints on dreams prevalent in his era, offering readers a critical survey of early 20th-century psychological thought. He synthesizes these perspectives before introducing his own, providing a robust intellectual foundation for understanding the evolution of dream theory and the intricacies of the unconscious mind.

The Hypnagogic Phenomenon

A cornerstone of Silberer's unique contributions, this theme explores the vivid, often symbolic imagery and thoughts experienced in the twilight state between wakefulness and sleep. He posits these transitional states, alongside his concept of experimental dreams, offer direct insights into the symbolic processes that underpin our nocturnal visions, a fascinating precursor to later cognitive studies.

Dreams' Moral Dimensions

Beyond mere symbolic interpretation, Silberer elevates dream analysis to a philosophical inquiry, connecting the content of our dreams to the fundamental moral and ethical fabric of our being. This exploration suggests dreams are not just psychological phenomena but profound reflections on character, values, and the deeper implications of our unconscious life.

📜 Historical context

Published in 1918, Silberer's "Der Traum" emerged from the intellectually vibrant atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Vienna, a crucible for psychoanalytic innovation. His work stands as a distinct contribution alongside contemporaries like Freud and Jung, offering a unique perspective on dream psychology during its formative years, particularly influenced by the era's blend of scientific and philosophical inquiry.

📚 Glossary

Hypnagogic Phenomenon
Psychoanalysis
Urania Star Observatory

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a recent dream. Can you identify any 'hypnagogic phenomena' that might have preceded it, and how did they relate to the dream's content?
Silberer connects dreams to our moral fiber. Consider a recurring dream you've had; what moral or ethical questions might it be subtly exploring within you?
How might an 'experimental dream' approach, as Silberer discusses, help you gain new insights into a current challenge or decision in your waking life?