The Wayward Mind: An Intimate History of the Unconscious

"This is a very good book, if what you're after is a history of how people thought the unconscious worked throughout the ages. It does NOT give you extensive detail on how we currently think it functions (-just two chapters really : ch 8/9, although they are extremely good), so disregard it if that's your main aim.

It also has one of the most pointless, tedious and annoying introductory chapters of all time! I nearly gave up on this book whilst reading it! It really sits better as a summary.. as it refers to subjects covered later in the book and foists on us certain bits of the author's (-i.e. dualist) personal views.. I advise you to skip this chapter."
~ Written on 2005-05-27

"A very mixed review...This is a truly excellent work on the unconscious and in a very exciting area, which helps put a whole range of big issues, such as religion and spirituality in the context of a true understanding of the brain. The frustrating part is that, for me it's OVER-stuffed with history, which is only just relevant enough, and makes the book too long. Also, the writing style makes it hard work to read...too elaborate for me. So that makes it a hard slog. The last third of the book gets us up to date and is great...if you're busy like me, you might jump through the first half - I'm sure the author wouldn't approve. However I'd buy it and recommend it just for the last third. Mr Claxton...please do a short readable version, without the history. I'll buy several for friends/colleagues. Andy"
~ Written on 2005-03-29