Publisher's Synopsis
What is psychoanalytic criticism? What are the connections between psychoanalysis and contemporary theory? In this book written for both newcomers and those already familiar with the discipline, Anthony Elliott offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary psychoanalysis, and explores its most important theoretical disputes.
Psychoanalytic Theory offers a clear guide to the central theoretical standpoints in modern psychoanalysis. Elliott provides lucid interpretations of the thought of key psychoanalytic theorists, such as Freud, Klein, Winnicott, Kohut, Lacan and Laplanche. It also examines the important political and cultural dimensions of psychoanalytic studies, from feminism to postmodernism.
Judicious, authoritative and written in an accessible style, this book is an invaluable guide to the central debates in psychoanalysis and contemporary theory. It will be essential reading for students and professionals of psychoanalysis, psychology, social theory, cultural studies and politics.
