The Assault on Truth
Histria Books · Print & ebook · September 30, 2025
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- Who it’s for
- Readers interested in Freud's changing theories
- Themes
- Freud's theory reversal, Psychoanalytic history, Impact on psychoanalytic practice
- Genres
- Psychoanalysis, Social Scientists' Lives, History of Psychology
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In 1896, Sigmund Freud presented his revolutionary “seduction theory,” arguing that childhood sexual abuse directly caused adult mental illness. Just nine years later, he completely reversed this stance, insisting these traumatic memories were mere fantasies. Why did Freud retract his original theory? And why has the psychoanalytic community gone to such lengths to conceal this critical reversal?
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In the landmark book, The Assault on Truth, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson draws on unique access to formerly sealed and hidden papers to uncover the truth behind this pivotal moment in psychoanalytic history. Masson dares to explore the reality that neither Freud nor his followers could bear to face. This investigation reveals the enduring impact of Freud's decision on the theory and practice of psychoanalysis. Bracing in its honesty and gripping in its revelations, The Assault on Truth is the book that prompted Masson’s dramatic break with the psychoanalytic establishment and launched his brilliant career as an independent thinker and writer.
Who it’s for
- Readers interested in Freud's changing theories
- Readers interested in psychoanalytic history
Where it sits
| Psychoanalysis | 89% |
|---|---|
| History of Psychology | 49% |
| Social Scientists' Lives | 47% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Lives in Medicine
- History of Psychology
- Psychology Research
- Authors
- Jeffrey Masson
- Publisher
- Histria Books
- Published
- September 30, 2025
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- Freud's theory reversal · Psychoanalytic history · Impact on psychoanalytic practice
- Reading lane
- Lives in Medicine