Two of Freud’s earliest and most well-known cases, following the development of his psychoanalytic approach. While there are a few earlier case histories that focus mainly on hysteria, these are the first two that depart from his earlier methods using hypnosis, and incorporate more fully the dream analysis and associational talking approach to therapy that he used and refined further in his later cases.

These will be of wide interest to anyone with the least enthusiasm for psychology, human behaviour, and the history of medicine. Each case report gives the background, reports on the interviews and dreams of the patient’s, their relevant family history and circumstances, and the thoughts at each stage of development of Freud and those concerned in the treatment. The dynamics of the therapy, including false turns, resistances, breakthroughs, and outcomes are all reported in plenty of detail, providing a great insight into the workings of the mind of both patient and doctor. Freud also links in the details to the larger theoretical framework after each case, reviewing particular points of importance and parallels to other work.

Probably on its own not the best introduction to Freud, but if you’ve read his introductory lectures then this would be a good next step. Quite readable throughout, and of high historical significance to the wider field of psychology and mental illness. ( )