Christopher Bollas, The Granta Podcast

In this book, Dr. Jonathan Shay examines the psychological devastation of war by drawing parallels between the experiences of Achilles in Homer's Iliad and those of Vietnam veterans. Shay, a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with Vietnam War veterans, argues that the psychological wounds of warriors transcend time and culture. He explores themes such as the betrayal of moral values during warfare, the intense grief and anger resulting from the loss of comrades, the descent into a 'berserk' state, and the challenges of homecoming. The book highlights the importance of understanding and healing the psychological trauma incurred by soldiers and emphasizes the need for communal support in their recovery.

In this seminal work, Freud introduces his theory of the unconscious with respect to dream interpretation and discusses what would later become the theory of the Oedipus complex. He argues that dreams are forms of 'wish fulfillment' and are influenced by unconscious forces and censorship. The book differentiates between the manifest content and latent content of dreams and explores the mechanisms of dream formation, including displacement and the 'dream-work'. Freud uses his own dreams and those of his patients to illustrate his theories, providing a deeply personal and insightful look into the human psyche.

Richard Overy's "Why War?" explores the multifaceted reasons behind armed conflict, examining various historical and societal factors that contribute to the outbreak of war. The book delves into the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces that can lead to violence. Overy analyzes different theoretical perspectives on warfare, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject. He uses historical examples to illustrate his points, offering a nuanced understanding of the causes of conflict. The book challenges readers to critically examine the assumptions and biases that often shape our understanding of war.