1960 00 00 American Scholar - Vol 29 No 1 - Werkman

Magazine Overview

Title: The American Scholar
Issue: Vol. 29, No. 1
Date: Winter, 1959–60
Publisher: The Phi Beta Kappa Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The American Scholar features two significant book reviews. The first review, by Sidney L. Werkman, discusses C.G. Jung's "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies." The second review, also by Sidney L. Werkman, covers Ernest Jones's "Free Associations: Memoirs of a Psychoanalyst."

Review of "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies" by C. G. Jung

The review, authored by Sidney L. Werkman, delves into C.G. Jung's exploration of the flying saucer phenomenon. Dr. Jung poses the question, "Why should it be more desirable for saucers to exist than not?" He shifts the focus from the physical reality of the saucers to their manifestation in modern art, dreams of psychoanalytic patients, historical accounts, and everyday occurrences. Jung posits that as humanity approaches the end of the Christian era of archetypes, symbolized by "God images," flying saucers might represent a new, emerging archetype. He notes that archetypes often arise from collective emotional tension seeking release through a "redeeming supernatural event." Jung suggests that contemporary global distress, stemming from the "strain of Russian policies and their still unpredictable consequences," could potentially be alleviated by a collective symbol that heralds a resolution of difficulties. He speculates that the saucers could be a herald of a symbolic union between Soviet Russia and the United States.

The review notes that Jung's argument unfolds through discussions of hermetic philosophy, astrology, and mythology. However, the reviewer observes that the book, much like the saucer phenomenon itself, lacks real impact today. The review contrasts the current reception of saucer reports with the panic generated by the prewar Martian "invasion" broadcast, highlighting a perceived decline in wonder and awe before the supernatural, possibly due to an overemphasis on natural knowledge.

Review of "Free Associations: Memoirs of a Psychoanalyst" by Ernest Jones

Sidney L. Werkman also reviews Ernest Jones's "Free Associations: Memoirs of a Psychoanalyst." Jones, who was welcomed by Sigmund Freud as someone from the "outside world," had previously authored the definitive "Life and Work of Sigmund Freud." This memoir, though incomplete due to the author's death, offers insights into Jones's life from his birth in 1879 up to Armistice Day in 1918, including the period of his first marriage. The book includes genealogical information that establishes Jones's Welsh roots, which the reviewer suggests were significant in his position as an outsider within the English medical establishment, particularly in the context of Harley Street's social circles.

The reviewer finds it intriguing to consider how Jones's journey from Wales to England and Vienna might have influenced his relationship with Freud, another figure initially viewed as an outsider. The review points out that the book is written with considerable restraint and understatement, a characteristic attributed to Jones's life alongside Freud. This approach leaves the reader to infer and speculate about certain aspects of Jones's experiences.

Despite the understated tone, the review praises Jones's achievement in bringing to life an era of English medicine. His "sometimes trenchant characterizations" of his early colleagues and his "warm, simple straightforwardness" are highlighted as key elements that define the "outside world" he contributed to Freud and Vienna. The book is seen as an instrument that helped introduce the English language to psychoanalysis.

Other Content

This issue also includes a review by Bert James Loewenberg of a book concerning Darwin and the "Vestiges." The review highlights the book's analysis of why Chambers was ridiculed by scholars but read by the public, and why Darwin later succeeded with both audiences. The reviewer praises the book as one of the best published during the Darwin anniversary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The reviews in this issue touch upon themes of scientific and intellectual history, the development of psychological thought, and the interpretation of phenomena through cultural and historical lenses. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth analysis and critical engagement with significant scholarly works, offering thoughtful reviews that contextualize the books within broader intellectual movements and historical periods. The magazine provides a platform for scholarly discourse on a range of topics, from the history of evolutionary theory to the interpretation of modern myths and the evolution of psychoanalysis.