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BOOK REVIEWS
from the author here and there would sometimes be of considerable
assistance. Nevertheless the book is a mine of useful and conveniently
arranged information for all students of social, family and sexual insti-
tutions. As regards his main thesis also, Dr. Hartland would seem to
have made out a strong case and, although he modestly bids us
remember that 'scientific conclusions are never more than provisional"
and 'are liable at any time to be revised and modified by a wider
knowledge and a more accurate reasoning', we have little doubt that
the work here presented is (so far as the limitation of its scope
permits) destined to become a permanent landmark in the history of
that branch of anthropology to which it belongs. J C. F.
Dritam Psvchology. By Sigm. Freud. Authorized Translation by
M. D. Eder. With a Preface by Andre Tridon. 0ames McCann & Co.,
New York. 1921.)
We mention this book here only to warn our readers as to its nature. From the announcement it might be supposed that it is a nev/ book by Professor Freud, containing his latest views on the psycholog^- of dreams, that it was translated by Dr. Eder, that Professor Freud chose Mr. Tridon to introduce Mm to the American public, and that its publication is an authorized one. It has, in fact, been received ay such and been given reviews on these assumptions, e. g. in the Psycho- analytic Review. None of the assumptions, however, are in accord with the truth; they are merely suggestions fabricated by the publisher in order to sell a book under false pretences.
The facts are these. Only two books on dreams by Professor Freud have so far been translated and published in English, the translators being Dr. Brill and Dr. Eder respectively. The present book is simply made up from a series of cuttings from the two authorized ones. These were re-arranged, given new chapter-headings, naturally without the knowledge of the author or either of the two previous translators or publishers, and offered to a publisher as a new book. We have reason to believe that the person guilty of this dishonourable act was Mr. Tridon. More surprising, however, is the circumstance Uiat the publisher appears to have made no inquiry as to Mr. Tridon's bona fides, as to the authenticity of the book, or as to any arrangement for acquiring the publication rights from the author or original publisher. In logical accord with this behaviour the publisher, on being acquainted with the true state of affairs, refused to make the only possible reparation— namely, of at once withdrawing the book from sale.
