Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, is one of the most influential and controversial thinkers in modern intellectual history. He developed a revolutionary new way of understanding human nature and forever transformed our ways of talking and thinking about ourselves. In this Very Short Introduction, Carolyn Laubender explores Freud's life and ideas and considers his enduring legacy. The book examines the foundations of psychoanalysis, from Freud's early theories of the unconscious and dream interpretation to later developments on sexuality, aggression, depression, and the structure of the mind. It traces the evolution of Freud's thinking over time and considers how his work both shaped and was shaped by the scientific and social currents of his era. Beyond outlining Freud's key concepts, this introduction also assesses their impact across current disciplines, discussing how they have shaped our understanding of history, psychology, literature, politics, philosophy, art, and cultural studies. It explores the controversies that surround Freud's work and provides a humanistic account of what psychoanalysis, as both a theory and a therapeutic practice, still has to offer today.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.