In refreshing contrast to most other titles on Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, this book is distinctive in the accessible nature of its introduction to Freud′s life and ideas and in its concentration on the relevance of Freud′s theories and practice for contemporary approaches to counselling and psychotherapy.

Michael Jacobs′ overview is based firmly on Freud′s own writings and in his outline of this major figure Jacobs goes beyond a recapitulation of the existing literature to offer fresh insights. He has uncovered some surprises, about both Freud the man and his theories, and he presents and responds both systematically and concisely to the criticisms that Freud′s work attracted.