From 1949-1969, Freudian psychoanalysis had a Golden Age, with its practitioners the confidantes, advisers and policy makers of American government. Their theories framed Cold War narrative, including the deep suspicion of homosexuality, rigid gender roles and reaction to decolonization which saw guerrilla war as a rebellion against rightful parental authority. Herzog's study is most interesting about how this grip on the minds of America started to break down, as Freudians were unable to cope with the Civil Rights movement, womens' lib or do anything helpful for PTSD or the victims of torture in Latin America, and it became clear that the VC were not surly teenagers, nor Nixon a righteous father.

This is definitely one for those with a prior interest in the subject. While interesting it is hard going at times.