Beyond the Chains of Illusion
My Encounter with Marx and Freud

First published in 1962, this is a book about Marx and Freud - the two intellectual giants of the 20th century. It introduces many of readers to unknown aspects of Marx and Freud, as it also serves as an introduction to the life and mind of Erich Fromm as well.

First published in 1962 and long unavailable, BEYOND THE CHAINS OF ILLUSION is, only at first glance, a book about Marx and Freud--those two intellectual giants of the 20th century. Fromm here shows himself an outstanding interpreter of Marx. In all, Fromm's re-creation of the Freudian and Marxist way of thinking is, essentially, a look at the individual and society. BEYOND THE CHAINS OF ILLUSION will introduce many of today's readers to unknown aspects of Marx and Freud, as it also serves as a unique introduction to the life and mind of Erich Fromm as well. A new foreword by Fromm Literary Executor Rainer Funk puts this book into historic context and high relief.

Foreword by Rainer Funk
1. Some Personal Antecedents
2. The Common Ground
3. The Concept of Man and His Nature
4. Human Evolution
5. Human Motivation
6. The Sick Individual and the Sick Society
7. The Concept of Mental Health
8. Individual and Social Character
9. The Social Unconscious
10. The Fate of Both Theories
11. Some Related Ideas
12. Credo.