Hysteria is a graphic novel account of the first steps, errors, and frustrations of Sigmund Freud's career, which would lead to the foundation of a revolutionary new clinical therapy: psychoanalysis. The book traces Freud's early training in neurological research and medicine; the crucial turning-point of his studies with Jean-Martin Charcot at La Salpetriere; and his establishment of a therapeutic practice in Vienna.

Perfectly matching text and illustrations, Hysteria recounts Freud's interest in his colleague Josef Breuer's "Anna O" case study, as well as giving an...