Symbols of Transformation: An Analysis of the Prelude to a Case of Schizophrenia.

In 1912, at age 37, Jung published the original version of his work, which marked his divergence from the psychoanalytical school of Freud. Entitled "Wandlungen und Symbole der Libido" ("Transformations and Symbols of the Libido"), it was translated in 1916 as "Psychology of the Unconscious" and soon became Jung's most widely known and influential work. In its author's words, it is "an extended commentary on a practical analysis of the prodromal stages of schizophrenia"; furthermore, it is a complex study of symbolic parallels, drawn from religion, mythology, ethnology, art, literature and psychiatry. In Jung's view libido is not primarily sexual but is identified with psychic energy as a whole, originating in the unconscious and appearing in consciousness as symbols. Jung believed that this work, despite its comprehensiveness and wide influence, wanted revision because of the haste in which it was written. Retirement gave him this opportunity, and in 1952 he published a completely rewritten 4th edition, newly entitled "Symbole der Wundlung". The symbolic parallels were even further enriched, and Jung brought to the case the knowledge and insight he gained in nearly 40 years of practice. The illusive character of the text is enhanced by 130 illustrations, and the "Miller fantasies." the basis of Jung's study, are given in an appendix. For the second edition, bibliographic references have been brought up to date, essential corrections have been made, and the index has been revised.