Synopsis
Learn to know thyself with one of the most original self-help books in the last few years. Just as Dr. Weinberg has done with his patients for many years, use the wisdom of Shakespeare, considered by some the greatest psychologist who ever lived, to break loose from the psychological ties that bind you to your past. With an unparalleled grasp of human nature, Shakespeare created characters in whom you will recognize yourself, your coworkers, your loved ones, and your enemies.
Nationally renowned psychotherapist George Weinberg and writer Dianne Rowe guide you through six stages of understanding yourself and others, illustrating each stage with entertaining references to Shakespeare's plays. They reveal the strengths and weaknesses of Shakespeare's most famous characters, and enable you to see yourself more clearly.
Reviews
Taking a novel approach to understanding the psyche, psychotherapist Weinberg (Self-Creation) and former S&S v-p Rowe consult the works of Shakespeare, whom they deem "the ultimate therapist." Illustrating the relevance of Shakespeare to the complexities of the 1990s through the diverse characters of Othello, Portia, Falstaff et al. are six sections that treat self-knowledge, romance and other relationships. It is the authors' mission to correlate Shakespeare's depiction of the stages of psychological evolution in his characters with contemporary challenges that, they claim, are in essence similar. Weinberg and Rowe aver that the former's Shakespeare-oriented therapy satisfies the needs of clients embarking on their psychological journeys. The prescriptions, which include "method living"?finding a match for one's own experience in the psyche of another?are lightly tendered and may invite a deeper acquaintance with the Bard and the power of Will. First serial to Cosmopolitan; QPB selection; audio rights to Renaissance.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Bard and his good words have been used in virtually every situation and profession imaginable, but this book presents a first-time application. Manhattan psychotherapist Weinberg offers an excellent case for the use of Shakespearean characters to plot the six mental growth stages of life. Othello, then, becomes the role model for defining oneself, in that he held himself responsible for every act committed. On the other hand, Iago, Othello's confidant, becomes a symbol of toxicity, of poisonous people who need to be expunged from a circle of friends. Every chapter not only features a synopsis of the play and a character portrait but also includes disguised case histories from the author's practice, a list of positive actions, and personal stories. A good example of appropriate and meaningful metaphors within a self-help format. Barbara Jacobs
Students of Shakespeare know that much of his genius was in his ability to analyze human behavior. Psychotherapist Weinberg (The Taboo Scarf, Ivy Bks., 1991) and Rowe, a former publishing executive, take this knowledge a step further and present the bard as therapist. This is an intriguing idea that does, perhaps surprisingly, work. The book covers traditional areas of self-improvement as well as subjects such as mercy, mystique, decisiveness, and seeing the world through others' eyes. Although it will appeal particularly to those seeking advice who harbor a fondness for Shakespeare, the book's readable text and clear ideas will also satisfy general readers. It might even be used by literature teachers as a supplemental text. Recommended for all libraries looking to add to popular psychology collections.?January Adams, Franklin Twp. P.L., Somerset, N.J.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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