In this book, Reher-Langberg undertakes a systematic analysis of the notion of the Ego, such as it evolves throughout the writings of Sigmund Freud. This is done in close readings of central works, representing the different phases in the development of Freud's thinking, from the "Studies on Hysteria" to "The Ego and the Id."

Throughout the examined works, one aspect of Freud's thought turns out to be particularly central: a paradoxical coexistence of apparently incompatible perspectives, without a sense of necessary movement toward their synthesis. In keeping with this,...