Perversion

Dany Nobus is Professor of Psychoanalytic Psychology at Brunel University London, where he directs the MA Programme in Psychoanalysis and Contemporary Society. In addition, he is the Chair of the Freud Museum London, and the author of numerous books and papers on the history, theory and practice of psychoanalysis.

'Downing and Nobus not only provide an essential, up-to-the-minute survey of a very difficult topic, but place a two-way mirror between the theory of psychoanalysis and the "perversions" themselves: excessive systemic rigidity can be a feature of both worlds. The essays collected here contribute decisively to the large-scale revaluation of psychoanalytic thinking that is currently under way, and will help a wide general readership towards a new understanding of the sexual imperative in human affairs.' - Professor Malcolm Bowie, Christ's College, Cambridge'Lisa Downing and Dany Nobus have marshalled a broad range of high-quality scholars and psychoanalytic practitioners to address a concept that, in academic discourse at least, is extremely difficult to use. The tabloid press know what they think a pervert is, but outside that populist discourse the definition and deployment of the term are fraught with problems. This collection views perversion as at once product of and challenge to psychoanalytic orthodoxies, and will provoke much debate within the academy and outside.'- Keith Reader, Professor of Modern French Studies, Glasgow University'Perversion is a complex and challenging subject close to my heart. Here it is treated with wisdom, clarity and openness by professionals from many disciplines. This is an important and provocative book.' - Dr Estela V. Welldon MD DSc (Hon) FRC PSYCH, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy, Tavistock & Portman NHS Clinics'In recent years, "perversion" has become a dirty word in popular discourse, particularly in view of increasingly liberal attitudes towards sexual difference. Happily, the editors of this book have succeeded in assembling a glittering cast of clinical and cultural commentators who illuminate the complexities of perversion without becoming entrapped in either stereotypes or so-called "received wisdom". We owe Lisa Downing and Dany Nobus a debt of gratitude for this often provocative and invariably intelligent contribution to the debate.' - Brett Kahr, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Psychotherapy and Mental Health, Centre for Child Mental Health, London; Visiting Clinician and Lecturer, Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, London

• Psychoanalytic Perspectives -- Introduction -- Perversion, perversity, and normality: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations -- An overview of perverse behaviour -- Perversion and charity: an ethical approach -- The problem of inscription and its clinical meaning in perversion -- The perversion of pain, pleasure, and thought: on the difference between “suffering” an experience and the “construction” of a thing to be used -- The structure of perversion: a Lacanian perspective -- Birth, death, orgasm, and perversion: a Reichian view -- Perspectives on Psychoanalysis -- Introduction -- Perversion and French avant-garde art 1912–1916 -- The perverse domination of the fascist and the Sadean master -- The feminist ethics of lesbian sadomasochism -- Maternal fetishism -- Lacan meets queer theory -- On sexual perversion and transsensualism