Sigmund Freud

December 1, 2006
Gr 6-9-This biography begins with a brief look at Freuds childhood, focusing on his role as his mothers golden Sigi and the extremes to which his family went to cater to his needs (e.g., he had his own room, while the rest of his large family crowded into three bedrooms). Krull shows that he continued in this vein later on, expecting to be adored and catered to by his wife and colleagues. Most of the book deals with Freuds adult life, focusing on his drive not only to make progress in understanding the human mind, but also to live out his mothers dream that he make a name for himself. His theories are explained, and the author also discusses the ways in which later generations of psychoanalysts found his work simplistic, sexist, or otherwise limited, but also groundbreaking for their time. Freud is depicted as a complex human being: dedicated, driven, often egotistical, but also as a caring man who loved his family and who wanted to help his patients. Sophisticated cartoon pen-and-ink drawings add to the text. Catherine Reefs "Sigmund Freud" (Clarion, 2001) has more child appeal with its extensive use of photographs. For libraries wanting another biography on Freud, Krull provides a worthy addition."Nancy Silverrod, San Francisco Public Library"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2006
With her usual breezy, forthright, and intelligent approach, Krull continues the Giants of Science with Freud. Krull unravels just how much the inventor of psychoanalysis and student of the human mind has shaped the way we think, and the way we think of ourselves, while at the same time noting his personal and professional shortcomings. She does not shirk from Freud's study of cocaine, his problems with understanding women, or the horrors of his final disease. Freud is shown in the context of his life in Vienna and his last years in London escaping the Nazis, the author captures a difficult man with an enormous ego who also was capable of great merriment and compassion. Illustrator Kulikov provides knowing and witty illustrations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)