The Innocence of Dreams

by Charles Rycroft

Charles Rycroft believes that dreams are no guilty fantasies, no abnormal states, but innocent flights of the imagination, released from the censorship of the waking mind. In this intelligent, searching study he clears a path through the many debates which have arisen since Freud about the nature and symbolism of dreaming, exploring different theories and discussing dreams of every kind, from nightmares and fear of flying, to problem-solving and prophecies. Consistently interesting, these essays take us from the simple physiology of sleep and dreams, to such curious areas as the dreams of animals, and to wider subjects such as the relationship of dreams to the literary imagination.

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 1980

Reviews

[Nick]

Everything you've ever wanted to know about dreams... and more!? Rycroft brings his usual erudition and clarity to one of his favorite subjects (dreams/the imagination), while (lovingly) poking holes in Freud's shifting theories of dreams, symbol formation, and the relationship between the primary and secondary processes.

4.5 stars, rounded up