Freud and Breuer: Studies on Hysteria: A new translation

A modern rendering of Sigmund Freud and Josef Breuer’s groundbreaking 1895 work Studies on Hysteria (Studien über Hysterie), subtitled On the Psychic Mechanism of Hysterical Phenomena (Über den psychischen Mechanismus hysterischer Phänomene).
Studies on Hysteria introduces the concept of the “talking cure,” a therapeutic method that relies on uncovering repressed memories and emotions through dialogue. The case studies of Anna O., Frau Emmy von N., and others illustrate Freud and Breuer’s pioneering use of hypnosis and free association to explore the unconscious roots of hysteria. Freud’s assertion that “hysterics suffer mainly from reminiscences” laid the groundwork for his later theories of the unconscious, repression, and psychosexual development. This work not only launched Freud’s academic career but also established the foundation for modern clinical psychotherapy.
This edition includes an introduction by the translator, exploring the philosophical and theoretical divergences between Freud and Carl Jung. While Freud emphasized the role of repressed sexual desires and childhood trauma in the formation of neuroses, Jung focused on the collective unconscious and archetypal symbols. Their intellectual conflict, which ultimately led to a professional split, remains a central theme in the history of psychology. The introduction also examines Freud’s philosophical influences, particularly Arthur Schopenhauer’s concept of the will and its impact on Freud’s understanding of the unconscious.
This fresh, modern translation from the original German manuscript breathes new life into this historically significant work. Freud’s extensive writings have often been inaccessible to the general reader, and this edition seeks to bridge that gap by providing direct access to his original ideas. The Reader’s Edition introduces Freud’s work in context, with an illuminating Afterword that explains his philosophical project, situates it within the Modernist milieu, and explores its enduring impact on contemporary thought. The Afterword also examines the relationship and intellectual conflict between Freud and Jung, a dynamic that continues to resonate in modern psychological and cultural debates.
Accompanied by a timeline of Freud’s life and works, an index of philosophical terminology, and a short biography, this edition is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the origins of psychoanalysis. The inclusion of supplemental materials, such as illustrations and a glossary of Freudian psychological terms, enhances the reader’s understanding of this complex and historically important work. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, this edition offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the foundational text of psychoanalysis.