Psychoanalytic Politics, Second Edition: Jacques Lacan and Freud's French Revolution

Turkle provides a perspective on the French context in which Lacan's revision of Freudian psychoanalytic theory took place. Many clinicians and students will appreciate an understanding of the social, political and cultural millieu that allowed Lacan's ideas to flourish. Within the story of psychoanalysis in France, Turkle provides some insight into some of the more puzzling aspects of Lacanian theory, often within historical context. At points, I had the impression that Turkle was applying some of Lacan's ideas to Lacan - a task which helped impress the logic of some of Lacan's behavior, where it would otherwise have seemed inscrutible. I would recommend this book as an adjunct text for anyone intent on understanding Lacan the man, and his theories.