Freud's discovery of psychoanalysis : the politics of hysteria

By describing Freud's accomplishment as a discovery rather than as theory of invention, I express my own conviction that his work represents a fundamentally important advance in the understanding of human nature. This biographical interpretation examines the interplay of Freud's inner life, his fantasies and dreams, with the world around him. The author traces Freud's intellection evolution from childhood to the period at the turn of the century when he laid down the theoretical foundations of psychoanalysis in The interpretation of dreams. Briefly recounts Freud's life, discusses his most important theories, and examines the influence of politics, science, religion, and philosophy on his intellectual development