Occultist, Scientist, Prophet, Charlatan - C. G. Jung has been called all these things and after decades of myth making, is one of the most misunderstood figures in Western intellectual history. This book is the first comprehensive study of the origins of his psychology, as well as providing a new account of the rise of modern psychology and psychotherapy. Based on a wealth of hitherto unknown archival materials it reconstructs the reception of Jung's work in the human sciences, and its impact on the social and intellectual history of the twentieth century. The book creates a basis for all future discussion of Jung, and opens new vistas on psychology today.

‘The author’s meticulous research illustrates something that has increasingly been suspected by Jung scholars, that the psychologist made extensive use of other people’s work to illuminate his conceptions of archetypes, collective unconscious, introversion, extraversion, dream analysis and complexes, often referring to his approach as complex psychology.’

Source: Economist

‘Shamdasani has gone far in making the history of Jungian psychology truly professional. His is a superb achievement.’

Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement

'To write a book like this and combine originality, historical accuracy, an understanding of improvisation in historical actors - all without partisanship - is truly special.'

Source: Medical History