A Psychoanalytic Mind: Selected Papers of Harold P. Blum, M.D.

This superb collection of papers by one of the most important figures in the history of American psychoanalysis is a precious gift to us all. An invaluable education in itself, this volume is required reading for students, practitioners, and everyone interested in the field of psychoanalysis.
–Theodore Jacobs, M.D.

This wonderful selection of Harold Blum’s papers over more than 60 years conveys the reasons he became an internationally recognized leader of psychoanalytic science and practice. An outstanding scholar of Freud and psychoanalytic history, he was a superb clinician who helped incorporate new understanding of early development into clinical practice. He critiqued old theory, keeping what was useful and discarding what was outdated or wrong. He integrated new developments in psychoanalytic object relations theory, enriched the understanding of superego
development, reconstruction, trauma, and particularly female psychology. The major sections of this book present Harold Blum’s essential contributions to theory and technique, to early development, and particularly, to important clinical innovations in psychoanalytic reconstruction, dream analysis, psychotherapy, and artistic creativity. His ability to synthesize the old and the new, and his inquisitive spirit, illustrate his effectiveness as a scholar and teacher and inspire the reader.
–Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.

Harold Blum wrote about an extraordinary array of topics, ranging through psychoanalytic exploration of Art, Creative process, Case reports, Development, Dreams, History, Reconstruction, and Theory and Technique. His selected papers provide an illuminating glimpse into the evolving analytic mind of one of the giants of North American and global psychoanalysis. His work is a seamless intertwining of tradition and innovation, combining scholarly scientific rigor with clinical artistry, demonstrating psychoanalysis as an evolving multi-layered inquiry, and a road
of discovery and recovery. A must read for seasoned analysts, beginners, and everyone in between, for clinicians, scholars, and researchers alike.
–Eva D. Papiasvili, PhD, ABPP Global Chair, IPA Inter-Regional Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychoanalysis