A concise, pointed historical inquiry into Freud's atheism and Jewish cultural identity and their role in his development of psychoanalysis.-Library Journal A lucid, occasionally provocative close-up of Freud-as-nonbeliever, enhanced by Gay's suave, broadly allusive handling of the historical and theological contexts.-Kirkus Reviews In this valuable essay, Gay . . . brings great sensitivity and insight to a debate that still persists in some quarters.-Publishers Weekly Freud . . . would have enjoyed Peter Gay's book.-John C. Marshall, New York Times Book Review Freud himself asked why psychoanalysis had to be created by a 'completely godless Jew.' Gay elegantly and convincingly answers his question.-Choice It is an important and welcome contribution to the vast literature that already exists on Freud and the movement that he founded.-Lee Dembart, Los Angeles Times Published in association with the Hebrew Union College Press
