Freud's Foes, the latest title in the Polemics series, addresses Freud's fiercest contemporary critics. Kurt Jacobsen defends psychoanalysis, while accepting that it has inherent flaws. He argues that although today's 'foes' pose as daring savants, they are only the latest wave of critics that psychoanalysis has encountered since its controversial birth, and he easily debunks their arguments.

"Written by a political scientist, this book is a breath of fresh air-an intelligent, spirited, and informed defense of Freud's oeuvre and contribution. . . . Jacobsen's assessment of science is informed, as is the social critique concerning whether or not Freud overdid sex in his theory. The author deals adroitly with the theory and culture surrounding psychoanalysis, neither suffering fools nor mincing words. . . . This book provides rich fodder for debate. Highly recommended." - CHOICE, December 2009

"Freud’s Foes is important, accurate, and informative. In a brief compass, it lays bare the tenacious and pullulating power of supposedly neutral or objective “outcome studies” to overtake and consume a matter as close to a culture’s core needs as the study of the human mind. Its special contribution lies in explicating and critiquing the illusions that underlie the current faith in pharmacology, high-tech solutions, brain research, and other wonders. Jacobsen’s story raises broad, general questions concerning the place of science in society, as well as the need to restore the line not so much between science and falsehood as between the kinds of questions that can be answered in a causal and deterministic manner, and the kind that require self-reflection, democratic deliberation and cultural exploration....Given the fact that the present administration, more than any previous one, speaks the language of outcome studies, Jacobsen’s book is all the more welcome." - Perspectives on Politics

"Kurt Jacobsen's Freud's Foes is an energetically and clearly argued book by an author who has read everything of relevance in the biography of the "Freud Wars." It is a poor sportsman who cannot enjoy its bracing wit, its sensible historical argument, or its slashing style of sarcastic one-liners.... Hurrah for Jacobsen! He tells us why the "Freud Wars" are being fought and why psychoanalysts need to re-enlist." - Book Reviews

"Freud's Foes is informed, engaging and brilliantly written... It is a successful defense of Freud from his attackers, a concise cultural history of psychology, and an illustration of the tension that exists between technological progress and cultural impoverishment. It should prove of interest to intellectuals in many fields, and Jacobsen's wit makes it a joy to read." - New Political Science, Volume 32, Number 2 June 2010 pp. 303-305