Book Reviews

I am delighted to take over as the new Book Review Editor from Martin Adams who has put a lot of work into this section over the years. The books reviewed in this issue of Existential Analysis reflect his efforts to broaden the range of reviews across many topics – philosophy, practice, education and the arts.

The section starts with an overview of 20th century continental philosophy (At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being and Apricot Cocktails by Sarah Bakewell) and moves onto Laing's application of some of these philosophical ideas into practice (The Legacy of R.D. Laing edited by M. Guy Thompson). This is followed by two reviews of three books on teaching existential psychotherapy: the new editions of Mick Cooper's Existential Therapies and Skills in Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy by Emmy van Deurzen and Martin Adams, as well as Susan Iacovou's and Karen Weixel-Dixon's Existential Therapies – 100 Key Points and Techniques. The section ends with the review of a book looking at the role of psychiatry and mental disability in seven films (Reel to Reel by Ron Roberts).

I would like to use my first introduction to the book review section to call upon all existing and potential reviewers for more submissions. For those of you who are interested, start by having a look at the outstanding book review list at the end of this section. While a link back to existentialism and existential psychotherapy so that it may be relevant to our readership remains a prerequisite for any submission, I would like to continue Martin's efforts to widen the review horizon by also welcoming off-list book suggestions, as well as reviews covering the wider arts field, including literature, film, theatre and fine arts because in Tolstoy's own words

art is…a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity

(1896/2017, loc. 1160).

Ondine Smulders

Tolstoy, L. (1896/2017). What is Art? & Wherein is Truth in Art? (Essays on Aesthetics and Literature). Kindle version. Trans. Maude, A. Musaicum Books.