A Forgotten Freudian: The Passion of Karl Stern (History of Psychoanalysis)

Karl Stern, a German Jew who converted to the Catholic faith and emigrated to Canada, wrote some of the classics of 20th century literature in English (Pillar of Fire, Flight from Woman). His critique of modernity is one that can be admired by any intellectual traditionalist. And the story of his life kept me riveted to this book for a full 24 hours. Even some typos throughout the text aren't enough for me to knock off one star. The author delves into Stern's spirituality with admirable even-handedness if not with complete understanding -- and Stern's friendships with Catholics such as Dorothy Day, Graham Greene, and Jacques Maritain are all included in the mosaic of this complex life. Recommended.