The Primal Scream.

'is there a cure for neurosis? YES, says this extraordinary book'

A very good first edition of the book that brought American psychologist, Arthur Janov, fame with his method of primal therapy. The book gives an account of Janov's development in the years 1967-1970 of primal therapy, a psychotherapy to cure neurosis by bringing to conscious the repressed pain of childhood trauma.

A phenom, The Primal Scream sold more than one million copies internationally, making it one of the best-selling psychology books ever and rocketing Janov to celebrity. After reading a pre-publication copy, John Lennon underwent primal therapy with Janov, providing the basis for his first proper solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. Despite the method and its proof being questioned by psychologists, Janov's confidence in the radical effects made him come to be seen as a saviour figure.

First edition; 8vo; red endpapers, deckled fore-edge; publisher's black cloth with gilt publisher's device to upper cover, spine lettered in gilt; a very good copy in uncut typographic dust-jacket lettered in white, red, and yellow, jacket rubbed with small nicks and tears, some offsetting on verso; 446pp.