Freud and the Legacy of Moses

By Richard J. Bernstein | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

Freud's last book, Moses and Monotheism, was published in 1939 during one of the darkest periods in Jewish history. This difficult book has frequently been vilified and dismissed because Freud claims that Moses was not a Hebrew but an Egyptian, and that the Jews murdered Moses in the wilderness. Richard Bernstein argues that a close reading of Moses and Monotheism reveals an underlying powerful coherence in which Freud seeks to specify the distinctive character and contribution of the Jewish people. It is this character that has enabled the Jewish people to survive despite persecution and virulent anti-Semitism, and Freud proudly identifies himself with it. In his analysis of Freud's often misunderstood last work, Bernstein goes on to shows how Freud expands and deepens our understanding of a religious tradition by revealing its unconscious dynamics.

Editions of Freud and the Legacy of Moses

Hardcover
ISBN 9780521630962
Paperback
ISBN 9780521638777

Read an Excerpt

Freud's last book, Moses and Monotheism, was published in 1939 during one of the darkest periods in Jewish history. This difficult book has frequently been vilified and dismissed because Freud claims that Moses was not a Hebrew but an Egyptian, and that the Jews murdered Moses in the wilderness. Richard Bernstein argues that a close reading of Moses and Monotheism reveals an underlying powerful coherence in which Freud seeks to specify the distinctive character and contribution of the Jewish people. It is this character that has enabled the Jewish people to survive despite persecution and virulent anti-Semitism, and Freud proudly identifies himself with it. In his analysis of Freud's often misunderstood last work, Bernstein goes on to shows how Freud expands and deepens our understanding of a religious tradition by revealing its unconscious dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freud and the Legacy of Moses about?

Freud's last book, Moses and Monotheism, was published in 1939 during one of the darkest periods in Jewish history. This difficult book has frequently been vilified and dismissed because Freud claims that Moses was not a Hebrew but an Egyptian, and that the Jews murdered Moses in the wilderness. Richard Bernstein argues that a close reading of Moses and Monotheism reveals an underlying powerful coherence in which Freud seeks to specify the distinctive character and contribution of the Jewish people. It is this character that has enabled the Jewish people to survive despite persecution and virulent anti-Semitism, and Freud proudly identifies himself with it. In his analysis of Freud's often misunderstood last work, Bernstein goes on to shows how Freud expands and deepens our understanding of a religious tradition by revealing its unconscious dynamics.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Freud and the Legacy of Moses?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Judaism

Where can I read a sample of Freud and the Legacy of Moses?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521630962

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Freud and the Legacy of Moses?

Richard J. Bernstein

Who is the Publisher of the book Freud and the Legacy of Moses?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Freud and the Legacy of Moses is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521630962) and paperback(ISBN 9780521638777)