The Uncanny 9780141182377

　　This title features an extraordinary collection of thematically linked essays, including "The Uncanny", "Screen Memories" and "Family Romances". Leonardo da Vinci fascinated Freud primarily because he was keen to know why his personality was so incomprehensible to his contemporaries. In this probing biographical essay he deconstructs both da Vinci's character and the nature of his genius. As ever, many of his exploratory avenues lead to the subject's sexuality - why did da Vinci depict the naked human body the way he did? What of his tendency to surround himself with handsome young boys that he took on as his pupils? Intriguing, thought-provoking and often contentious, this volume contains some of Freud's best writing.

　　Sigmund Freud was born in 1856 and died in exile in London in 1939. As a writer and doctor he remains one of the informing voices of the twentieth century.

Introduction by Hugh Haughton vii
Translator's Preface lxi
Screen Memories
The Creative Writer and Daydre'aming
Family Romances
Leonardo da Vinci and a Memory of his Childhood
The Uncanny