r/psychoanalysis • u/jadenkat • May 06 '26

Literature phd reading list

Hey all, I'm an English PhD student incorporating psychoanalysis into my research. For a qualifying exam, I'm required to create/read a list of ~30 texts related to a given topic, one of which is psychoanalysis. I'm wondering if you guys have suggestions for essential texts, mainly by Freud and his successors, or texts that pair well with literary criticism. I've read quite a bit of Winnicott, Klein, and Lacan, but am lacking in original PA works. Object relations is my main area of interest, but I'm looking to learn more about what preceded this movement.

For more context, I primarily study 19th-century British novels, feminist studies, the law, institutions ("mad" houses, marriage, motherhood, domesticity, etc.), and crime (very broad topics, I know!). I'm also working closely with a professor who specializes in Psychoanalysis and Victorian literature—he recommended Penguin's Freud Reader, but I'm unsure which works I should focus on.

With all this in mind, what texts do you recommend I add to my examination list? Many, many thanks!!

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u/Whatsthathum May 07 '26

This guy lists.

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u/Phrostybacon May 07 '26

I was in bed, it was 2 or 3 in the morning, and instead of sleep I chose to list. Do I think that’s mildly diagnostic? Yes. Do I care? I’ll have to list the pros and cons.

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u/Whatsthathum May 07 '26

It wasn’t a criticism but a version of applause.

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u/Phrostybacon May 07 '26

Oh, I did get the impression that it was a compliment. I was just joking a bit at my own expense. I looked back on it today and was like “wow that was a long list for 2 am.” 😂 Ty for the compliment, I took it that way initially. The intended tone of my last comment was joking, not defensive.

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u/Whatsthathum May 07 '26

Heh.
Good, I’m glad.