The Psychoanalytic Movement explains how the language of psychoanalysis became the dominant way in which the middle classes of the industrialized West speak about their emotions.
Previous praise for The Psychoanalytic Movement
'A marvel... This is a brilliantly written book, every page sparkling with intelligence, style and substance. Gellner provides a welcome and literate overview of the latest philosophic controversy about the logical status of psychoanalytic propositions. Its every page instructs and enlivens and represents a tribute to humane intelligence.' New Statesman
'In a stylish, witty and deceptively readable book, Gellner exposes the secular religious nature of the psychoanalytic enterprise. He admits that a compelling, charismatic belief must possess more than merely the promise of succour in a plague and links with the background convictions of the age.' Nature
'This is the first determined effort to account for a very odd historical and sociological phenomenon in realistic and meaningful terms...and it makes very good sense. Gellner is incisive, agreeable to read and often witty.' Institute of Psychiatry Journal