'The Psychoanalytic Movement was recognized as aclassic upon its publication. José Brunner's new introductionplaces the argument within the context of „the Freudwars“, making it clear that the book was as concerned toexplain the fabulous success of psychoanalysis as to debunk itspretensions. This may be Gellner's greatest book, containing as itdoes a general view of the history of philosophy and the characterof modernity.' John A. Hall, McGill University
Previous praise for The Psychoanalytic Movement:
'A marvel... This is a brilliantly written book, everypage sparkling with intelligence, style and substance. Gellnerprovides a welcome and literate overview of the latest philosophiccontroversy about the logical status of psychoanalyticpropositions. Its every page instructs and enlivens and representsa tribute to humane intelligence.' New Statesman
'In a stylish, witty and deceptively readable book, Gellner exposes the secular religious nature of the psychoanalyticenterprise. He admits that a compelling, charismatic belief mustpossess more than merely the promise of succour in a plague andlinks with the background convictions of the age.'Nature
'This is the first determined effort to account for a veryodd historical and sociological phenomenon in realistic andmeaningful terms... and it makes very good sense. Gellner isincisive, agreeable to read and often witty.' Institute ofPsychiatry Journal
* * Explains how the language of psychoanalysis became the dominantway for the industrialized West to speak about emotion.
* Argues that although psychoanalysis offers an incisive pictureof human nature, it provides untestable operational definitions andmakes unsubstantiated claims concerning its therapeuticefficacy.
* Includes new foreword by Jose Brunner that expands on thecentral argument of the book and argues that Gellner and Freudmight be seen as kindred spirits.
