Having always been suspicious of Freud this was a very intriguing read for me. I have questioned his methodologies and theories since first studying him and was always interested in a more behind-the-scenes picture of him. Crews really delved into the life of Freud to reveal a darker, seedier version of Freud than most may be used to. It is an interesting read, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone studying him or in the field of psychology.

Of the most famous and notable people of all time, Sigmund Freud ranks high on the list, along with Jesus of Nazareth and William Shakespeare. Frederick C. Crews PhD is professor Emeritus of English at the University of California, Berkley: a distinguished scholar and critic of Psychoanalysis and Recovered Memory Therapy. “Freud: The Making of an Illusion” is Crew’s extensive and sharp literary critique of Freud, his career, scientific psychological theories and writings.

As a brilliant Jewish academic student and fluent in multiple languages, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) entered the University of Vienna at 17 years of age. Perhaps due to his impoverished background, his unrelenting ambition was achieve wealth and fame by any means possible. Freud wasn’t suited for the medical profession when he became a doctor (1881)—there was a definite lack of interest, he found medical duties and patient care revolting, and had little regard, patience, or sympathy for those in his care. When asked about his patients, Freud shocked another physician by declaring: “I could throttle every one of them!” Later in his career, he admitted he preferred working with students 10 times over working with neurotics, and wasn’t ever a therapeutic enthusiast.

A significant change occurred in Freud’s life occurred in 1875--he discovered cocaine, and believed the “magical remedy would be the key to his success.” Cocaine boosted his “neurasthenic spells” his troublesome unstable mood and depressive episodes to normal levels. Later, cocaine would ease his anxiety and embarrassment over public disapproval. He enthusiastically lent his name to the American “Therapeutic Gazette” that promoted cocaine use, assuring readers that any negative effects were from manufacturing impurities, doubts and unfavorable information was labeled as untrustworthy, and toxicity would be reduced with repeated use. Famous supporters of the substance included American President William McKinley and Queen Victoria.

A close friend of Freud, the wealthy gifted “scientist, polymath, man of the world” Dr. Ernst von Fleischl (1846-91), was being actively treated for Morphine addiction: (The Fleischl Affair) Freud gave his friend cocaine to ease his symptoms of addiction, and discretely borrowed money from Fleischl to fund his fellowship in Paris with the renowned French physician Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-93). Initially, Freud was profoundly disappointed in receiving little notice from Charcot, he found the French arrogant: Martha would remind Freud of the tremendous opportunity to study with the great master and encouraged him to not abandon his studies. Needing recognition, Freud would gain insider status traveling with Charcot translating his written works to German. Unfortunately, Freud’s relationship with Charcot soured when Freud betrayed him. This also happened with numerous peers/colleagues throughout Freud’s career, including his closest friend and associate Wilhelm Fleiss (1858-1928), a popular ENT surgeon based in Berlin, and author of “The Nose and Female Sexual Organs” (1896). The vast exchange of correspondence between the two men is what furthered Freud’s ideology on psychoanalysis and human behavior regarding sexual matters and themes.

Much of this seven part book is devoted to analyzing hypothesis and the volumes of psychological material written by Freud. The first portion of the book is biographically more interesting. Freud’s family history and relationship with his wife Martha Bernays was presented through their exchange of letters from 1882-86. Little is written about Martha (or the couple’s six children) until the latter part of the book. Furthermore, there is no mention of their children, names, birthdates etc. (with the exception of Anna Freud) or the type of father/family man Freud was. We can assume Freud left running of the household, including all childcare responsibilities to Martha, which fits with the attitudes Freud held as a young man. After caring for six children, though she had the help of her younger sister Minna, she must have been exhausted and received little support from her critical husband. Freud traveled with Minna later in his career, and on occasion he publically presented her as his wife. The Freud’s were likely unhappy in their marriage, and Freud felt entitled to openly seek satisfaction elsewhere. Any difficulties or problems whether of his marriage or career were always the fault of others, as Freud continuously absolved himself of wrongdoing in most circumstances, unable to ever admit fault.

Freud opened his private practice on April 25, 1886. His article “Hysteria” (1888) failed to admit his five year treatment of a wealthy patient had been unsuccessful. He didn’t hesitate to protect himself by stating the obvious: hysterics were adversely affected by treatment with Morphine and/or Chloral hydrate, as he presented himself as a wise knowledgeable healer. By 1893, Freud was viewed with suspicion, as his professional reputation declined. Freud developed psychoanalytic theory— that is, “free association” or patients speaking unguided thoughts to the analyst. Psychoanalysis didn’t involve hypnosis, but was a longer and costlier form of therapy that failed to address “targeted” symptoms and problems. Freud’s professional standing improved when this new form of therapy gained in popularity among his peers, and received massive public notice.

In 1999, a journal of American psychology reported that psychoanalytic research has been “virtually ignored” by mainstream science and psychology for many decades. Jeffery Masson a notable Freudian critic began publishing his findings in the 1980’s after gaining access to Freud’s sealed documents and archives, his books are still in print. According to professor Marjorie Garber (Harvard University) “The Muses on their Lunch Hour” (2016)—Psychoanalysis is no longer taught in formal college psychological course work and curriculums. Instead, it is taught in literary studies related to memoir, poetry, novels, short stories, etc. Frederick Crews has thoroughly researched his subject matter, and clearly presents a darker side of the life and work of Sigmund Freud, this book is highly recommended for academic study.
* With thanks and appreciation to Henry Holt and Company via NetGalley for the direct e-copy for the purpose of review.