The Self-Marginalization of Wilhelm Stekel: Freudian Circles Inside and Out (Path in Psychology)

As both an early disciple of and influence on Freud, Wilhelm Stekel enjoyed a unique position within the analytic movement. More recently, he has been notable more for his ostracism from Freud’s sphere and little else. The Self-Marginalization of Wilhelm Stekel brings a fresh perspective on Stekel, revealing the complex, symbiotic bond between mentor and follower in its many social, interpersonal, and psychological forms.

In addition to shedding light on a famous outsider, this biography is set in a dual context of the formative years of psychoanalysis and Freud’s relationships with his colleagues: comparisons and contrasts abound with Adler, Jung, and other, revered exiles from Freudian circles. At the same time, each chapter defines and identifies a particular aspect of the marginalization process, including self-marginalization, the relationship of marginals to the mainstream, and the value of marginalization in the construction of identity. In all, this book will provide
-an in-depth look into the social history of psychoanalysis - an informed re-thinking of Stekel’s contributions as theorist and clinician
-a new view of marginalization as differentiated from similar social phenomena
-previously unpublished correspondence between Freud and Stekel - a new translation of Stekel’s 1926 essay, "On the History of the Analytical Movement"

The Self-Marginalization of Wilhelm Stekel peels back layers of history to create a singular addition to our knowledge of the origins of psychoanalysis. Psychologists, social scientists, and readers interested in the history of science will find this book an illuminating glimpse into the lives and legacies of the first psychoanalysts.

Jaap Bos is assistant professor at Utrecht University, The Netherlands, department of Interdisciplinary Social science (ASW). His research focuses on the history of ideas, in particular the history of psychoanalysis, on marginality, and on autobiographical narratives.

Leendert F. Groenendijk is professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and Faculty of Arts at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for the Comenius Chair of the History of Education. He has written numerous articles on the history of Protestant educational  thought as well as on the history of Psychoanalysis.

Johan Sturm is currently a member of the management staff of the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Paul Roazen was Professor of Social and Political Science at York University in Toronto, Canada.