Routledge Being Lived by My Life: A Sort of Autobiography: 5 (Collected Works of Charles Berg)

Originally published in 1957, this book was a new departure in autobiographies. It is both enlightening and entertaining. There is a happy blending of narrative, reflection and occasional extracts from case histories which gives it a delightfully human character. But it is more than this. It is a story of the profound inward adventure of an exceptionally inquiring mind. From childhood to professional maturity it proceeds through economic difficulties, love and tribulation to science and general medical practice. It tells how Dr Berg became so convinced of the psychogenesis of human suffering that, with great courage, he gave up his practice and personal security to search for the causes in mental conflict. The story proceeds through specialisation in psychiatry to analytical training and analytic practice, building up in the later chapters to a description of the troubled mind in all its manifestations, and of the medical analyst’s daily work. There is a new explanation of the psychology of love with the inclusion of personal as well as professional experiences. Here, as throughout, conclusions have an astonishing difference from orthodox or familiar speculation, and this is because they are based strictly on knowledge, professional and personal. The style is natural, lively and lucid. Here is an opportunity to combine learning with entertainment for Dr Berg has an extraordinary flair for presenting difficult things attractively, without sacrifice of scientific essentials. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1957. The language used is a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication. Review For the original publication: ‘I found the book light, stimulating and enjoyable – as no doubt it was intended to be … it is only a pity that more analysts can’t let their hair down so amusingly.’ – Sunday Times About the Author Charles Berg (1892-1957)