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Freud, Sigmund (1856 - 1939)
A superb two-page handwritten letter in German signed by Sigmund Freud ("Prof. Freud"). Dated December 6th 1938 when, despite serious ill-health, Freud was still remarkably active. An important letter in which Freud discusses his correpondent's dilemma about his sexuality, also making reference to his correspondent's friend who is apparently going through a similar dilemma. Freud comments that he "cannot agree with… calling homosexuality a vice or crime" though admits that "efforts to overcome it are justified." He goes on, "If only it were achieved so easily! Psychoanalysis has helped overcome it in rare cases; in numerous others it succeeded in reinforcing simultaneously existing heterosexual instincts to the point where the subjects were able to live bisexually… In most cases (psychoanalysis) has no influence over the abnormal tendency. Since this psychological treatment takes extended time and is costly as well, it will probably not provide you with the answer you are looking for… Advice will get you nowhere. The two of you will have to wait and see which inclination is stronger." Freud then writes, "The homosexual's case in today's society is not as hopeless as it may seem to you. In every country there is a large number of such individuals who, while outside of the norm in that one point, in all others pass, muster and distinguish themselves through remarkable accomplishments, as evidenced by the fact that several of the greatest men in history were homosexuals. Even more frequently you will see men for a period of their lives follow one sexual inclination only to trade it in later on for the other. But they also often remain receptive to both sexes - meaning they remain bisexual." Freud concludes this letter with the interesting assertion that, "It is important not to overlook the fact that a certain degree of propensity toward the homosexual object is part and parcel of the constitution of the so-called normal man." This letter comes together with an envelope in which it was apparently housed which is annotated in another hand (presumably that of the recipient). He writes in German and English, "This letter should not be opened but shold be burned unopened". A fascinating and important letter. A tiny tear to the central fold, some very light smearing in places, otherwise in fine condition.
Price: £5,935.00
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