ALS in German, signed “Freud,” one page both sides, 6 x 9, personal letterhead, September 20, 1936. Letter to an aspiring Belgian psychiatrist desiring to study with Freud. In part (translated): “I will take the feelings you express to me on behalf of the students in Liege and in your own name as a guarantee that in your country too, psychoanalysis will soon find followers and collaborators. I will make sure that your request for a photograph will be taken care of. I didn’t quite understand which list you want to put my name on. Is it supposed to be called an ‘Honorary Committee’? I am glad to hear about your intention to come to Vienna in a few years in order to get training in psychoanalysis. You’ll probably find out for yourself that six months won’t be sufficient time for that purpose. And don’t be put off if you hear the news that you won’t find me here anymore.” In fine condition, with trivial tape remnants to edges.
Even after four decades of persistent work building the foundations of psychoanalysis into an internationally recognized and respected academic discipline, Freud continued to respond to letters and encourage new practitioners in the field. With his entire career—and virtually his entire life—spent in Vienna, it was with great reluctance that he left his home city in 1938, as he predicts in this letter. His books had been publicly burned by the Nazis in Germany and the movement was growing quickly; after Germany annexed Austria, he finally left, spending the rest of his life in London. A superb letter demonstrating Freud’s undying goal of spreading his psychoanalytic concepts throughout the world, despite political turmoil at home. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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