EDITH KURZWEIL
241
this theory for the last fifty years, although it has been attacked for this
neglect by some of the German-speaking colleagues.
The exhibition these critics espouse, I believe, cannot enlighten
viewers about Freud's genius or the civilization that nurtured it. Nor
could it teach them some of the history they no longer get in school. But
in the calm atmosphere of a thoughtful exhibit, rather than in a politically
charged and contentious one, visitors might be exposed to the intellectual
life that used to matter - when America was not yet dominated by cul–
tural terrorists posing as defenders of free thought, by yellow journalists
allegedly standing up for free expression, and by ill-informed opinion
passing itself off as the wave of the future.
If, however, these cultural politics remain unchallenged, psycho–
analysis will not be the only knowledge to go down the drain. For the
search for the unconscious, with all its flaws and wrinkles, is based on
honesty - a quality antithetical to politics, and to the culture it breeds.
THE DOUBLE LEGACY
Reflections ofa Pair ofDeaths
by
Rachel Hadas
The Double Legacy
is a moving sequence of essays written by poet Rachel Hadas,
reflecting on the death of her mother of cancer and of her close friend of AIDS.
"Harrowing...deeply subjective.. .[Ms. Hadas] achieves an epigranunic
eloquence."-New
York Times Book Review
"A slim volume that packs a subtle but powerful
punch,"-Kirkus
Reviews
"Spare...Elegant...Hadas's erudition is deep and
broad."-Bostoll Globe
"Intelligent, well written, moving.
"-Librmy loumal
The Doubk Legacy
is available from Faber and Faber Publishers. Call 1-800-666-2211 to order
your copy today.
