Beginner's Guide to Jungian Psychology

by Robin Robertson

Book Overview

In this definitive introduction to the work of C. G. Jung, Dr. Robertson explains how Jung reintroduced Westerners to the world of archetypes--the imagery of the collective unconscious, of mythology, and the symbols in nature. He discusses the structure and dynamics of the psyche, the meaning of dreams, the shadow, the anima/animus, and the mysterious figure of the Self. This practical yet inspiring introduction can make Jung's exciting philosophy/psychology...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892540222
• ISBN13: 9780892540228
• Release Date: March 1992
• Publisher: Nicolas-Hays
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Guide to Individuation

This book was a great overview of Jungian psychology and the process of individuation. The author is able to synthesize many of Jung's disparate ideas into one cohesive whole, giving the reader his or her bearings for future readings in Jungian psychology. This book is a great introduction to Jung's Collected Works and greatly helps the reader to orient him or herself for future study.

A fine beginning!

Here's a rarity among introductory books about Jung & his thought: clear, easy to read & follow, setting forth the basic ideas in ways which are easy to grasp ... all without dumbing down the material in any way. What Robertson does is provide the beginner with the overall feel of Jungian thought, sketching out the basic outlines & providing straightforward examples. Other books go into greater detail, of course, but a beginner could do far worse than start with this fine volume. Robertson's humane & humanist heart beats strongly in every page, and he's good company for what should be an ongoing & enriching journey into the Psyche. Recommended! (For anyone concerned about the negative reviews, while some do raise fair objections & concerns, feel free to ignore those with an obvious ax to grind. A reading of Deirdre Bair's new biography of Jung will provide an honest & far more accurate picture of Jung's life & personality.)

A Textbook For Those Who Hate Textbooks

Although I have an uncanny talent for technical writing, I typically can not tolerate reading it. I never cracked a book in high school or college unless the exam was taken from it or unless it was written in a user-friendly style. Although I have a Master's degree in Social Work, I have not had the opportunity to study Jung individually and in depth. Robertson's book has afforded me that opportunity with its easy to read style and wealth of basic introductory information. I plan to read Robertson's other works and highly recommend this one for anyone with an interest in dream interpretation for self development and spiritual growth.

Interesting and easy-to-read ispringboard to Jung's ideas

Jungian psychology is fascinating, nuanced and voluminous, - and Jung's writings themselves are a tough read for someone unacquainted with psychology because he addresses himself to his peers who already understand the jargon. Additionally, Jung being extremely intelligent and intellectual (Robertson, I would say is very intelligent but avoids coming off as intellectual) continually interrelates his ideas to religion, literature, art, mythology, while he writes which, while interesting, makes it hard for a beginner to extract just the basic ideas.I've read three of Robertson's books on Jung and he has a gift for communicating Jung's basic ideas in a simple and useful manner. If you have read a bit on Jungian psychology before, this book will re-enforce your knowledge and fill in some of the blanks, - or at the very least shed light on the subject in a different way. If you're new to Jungian psychology this book is an excellent starting point. Sure, - it's limited and not extremely precise - but it's a quick read and will save you a lot of head-scratching once you start reading more in depth treatments of Jung's work.If you're stuffy or intellectual, this book isn't for you, but if you're looking for a down-to-earth springboard to Jung, this is it!

A delightful guide into Jungian ideaa.

Robin Robertson is a Jungian analyst, mathematician, and professional magician. This wonderful book, like his others, brings together the insight of the first of these professions with the clarity of thought of the second, and the delightful stage style of the third. I have found this to be the best introduction to Jungian ideas around. --Allan Combs; author of The Radiance of Being, and Synchronicity