The Fictions of Dreams

'This volume - the culmination of a lifelong interest in dreams - sheds new light on the relationship between dreams, fiction, and the creative process. Referencing a wide range of themes and sources, Otto Rheinschmiedt has broken new ground in a number of important areas, and has written a superb book. It is a fascinating and highly enjoyable read.'- Professor Mark Stein, Chair in Leadership and Management, University of Leicester, UK'This book is a compelling and unique exploration of dreams that takes a path through Freudian dream theory by way of ancient, classical and modern literature and art, as well as sleep research, chaos theory and quantum physics. The poetry and power of dreams is vividly and movingly illustrated through the dreamwork of patients drawn from the author's vast clinical experience. This scholarly and accessible book takes us beyond psychoanalytic thinking on dreams as originating in individual psyches, to consider them as psychosocial phenomena that have their roots and expression in history and the social world, in truth and in fiction. It provides a valuable resource for those in clinical practice, psychosocial researchers and writers, and to anyone who has ever dreamed.'- Dr Helen Lucey, University of Bath, co-editor of the Journal of Psychosocial Studies'A book in which the writing is energised and given life by the turbulence of Otto Rheinschmiedt's passion. An original work that will undoubtedly appeal to lovers of the mind as well as to lovers of the human heart.'- Dr Sam Burnside MBE, poet and founder of the Verbal Arts Centre, Belfast