In Reflections on the Life and Dreams of C.G. Jung, Aniela Jaffé presents previously unpublished experiences and ruminations that Jung confided to her in the last years of his life. These revelations present a kaleidoscope of the episodic and the philosophical, the humorous and the enigmatic, uniquely complementing and expanding the previously published and highly successful Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung. "Jung allowed his thoughts to flow freely during our conversations, according to the situation and his interests of the moment. When speaking with me he was not hindered by intellectual considerations of possible criticism. It didn’t concern him that his words and insights might require further thoughtful reflection before they could be deemed coherent or valid. If I managed to touch upon a point of interest, Jung did not just answer my question, but followed his train of thought further." -- Aniela Jaffé, from the Introduction. The historical commentary by Elena Fischli illuminates the biographical work with C.G. Jung on the basis of source material. How did the conversations and the notes of Aniela Jaffé come about? What was the nature of the relationship and collaboration between her and Jung? How did others deal with their work? And finally, who was this woman who was so candidly given such a glimpse into Jung’s inner life?
Through the recording, editing and publication of Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung, Aniela Jaffé has introduced a large international readership to his work over the past 60 years. Jaffé was closely associated with Jung from 1937 until his death, having arrived in Switzerland as a Jewish emigrant after studying in Berlin and Hamburg. From 1940 onward she worked for him as a research assistant and from 1955 until 1961, she further supported Jung as his personal secretary. In addition to the posthumous publication of his correspondence, her work as an analyst, lecturer and author of numerous books and articles have helped to make his work available to a broad readership. Reflections on the life and dreams of C.G. Jung, with its many rich facets, is another of her substantial contributions to the understanding of this extraordinary researcher and pioneer in the realm of the human soul.
