Reading the Red Book

Sanford L. Drob, PhD, teaches at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA, and the C.G. Jung Institute in New York. His most recent book is Archetype of the Absolute: The Unity of Opposites in Mysticism, Philosophy and Psychology. He is a visual artist whose paintings on archetypal themes can be viewed at www.sanforddrobart.com.

"Sanford Drob’s new edition of Reading the Red Book: An Interpretive Guide to C.G. Jung’s Liber Novus is even further enriched by including his reflections on Jung’s Black Books. Drob continues to write, as I have noted earlier, with the heart of a spiritual seeker and the mind and eye of a scholar…Reading the Red Book along with his earlier work, continues to establish him as an important and unique voice in Jungian scholarship."- Stanton Marlan, Ph.D., ABPP"Sanford Drob has provided us with an indispensable guide to the structure and function, the purpose and meaning of Jung’s hidden masterpiece: this lucid commentary will surely establish itself as the inevitable starting point of Red Book interpretation for many years to come."- Paul Bishop, PhD, Professor, University of Glasgow"In this essential companion to Jung’s Red Book, Drob tracks the path of Jung’s psychological wrestlings, placing those struggles within the broader tradition of philosophical, theological, and mystical thought. In this way the reader is privileged access to witness not only the astonishing raw, bloody, personal birthing of Jung’s ideas— but then also to be let into more tranquil areas for reflection. Drob’s comments as well as thematic groupings aid one in imagining those squirming offspring into realms with implications both practical as well as ideological. This book is clear, intelligent and helpful—Truly a must read for those who dare cross the Red Book portal." - Pat Barry, PhD., President, Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts "In this revised edition, Drob incorporates relevant new material from the Black Books to further elucidate the creation of the Red Book. It is a work characterized by a rare combination of psychological insight and philosophical rigor, required reading for anyone serious about a comprehensive guide through Jung’s active imaginings." - Jay Sherry, Ph.D., educator and an independent historian of Psychoanalysis

• AcknowledgementsForewordIntroductionNote on References1 Jung’s Prologue: Inspiration and Knowledge from the “Depths” 2 The Search for the Soul: The Red Book: Liber Primus 3 Of Gods, Heroes, and Prophets: The Red Book: Liber Primus, cont. 4 Soul-Making Encounters: The Red Book: Liber Secundus 5 The Healing of Izdubar: The Red Book: Liber Secundus 6 The Descent into Hell: The Red Book: Liber Secundus 7 The Library, the Kitchen, and the Madhouse: The Red Book: Liber Secundus8 Magic, Symbols, and the Critique of Reason: The Red Book: Liber Secundus 9 Philosophical and Theological Reflections: The Red Book: Liber Secundus10 I, Self, Prophet, Soul, and God: Scrutinies, RB 333–59, RE 461–55311 The Seven Sermons to the Dead: The Red Book: Scrutinies, cont. 12 Final Encounters, Final Reflections: The Red Book: Scrutinies, cont. 13 The Red Book and Contemporary PsychologyNotesIndex