Pioneering and highly influential founder of psychoanalysis (1856–1939) whose theories revolutionized the understanding of the human psyche. Rare ALS in English signed “Sigm. Freud,” one page, 5.5 x 9, Hampstead, July 18, 1938. Letter to Dr. Josephine Jackson. In full: “Many thanks for your kind letter. I feel all right here or rather I would if not the news from Vienna and the inability to help so many who need being helped threw a deep shadow over our well being. The generous cheque you sent me I will turn into some assistance to these poor people.” Scattered light creasing and wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Freud’s hand.
As the Nazis annexed Austria in March of 1938 and threats to Freud and his family became more violent, the prominent neurologist let go of his determination to stay in Vienna, his home for nearly five decades. After a legally tortuous and financially devastating series of negotiations with Nazi authorities—and with the help of some influential friends and followers, particularly Princess Marie Bonaparte—Freud managed to relocate his wife and children to Hampstead, London. Shortly after his arrival there, just two weeks before penning this letter, he learned that attempts to secure exit visas for his four elderly sisters had failed; all four would later die in Nazi concentration camps. Overwhelmed with the “inability to help so many who need being helped,” he thanks author Josephine Jackson for money sent (likely from the second edition of her book on Freud’s psychoanalytic theories), which he hopes to “turn into some assistance” for those left behind. While all correspondence by Freud is highly coveted by collectors, examples in English are significantly more rare and desirable. A deeply moving letter from the father of psychoanalysis as he struggles to make a new home for his remaining family in London. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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