I am researching dreams and the creative imagination in nineteenth century British literature. My idea is to take in account contemporary psychological theories on the subject. I am finding it difficult both to find primary texts and histories of psychology in XIXth century Britain. Any related information would be appreciated - any ideas on what texts I should check, etc. Thanks for your attention.

-- AGD (svengali@telefonica.net), August 29, 2002

Answers

You might start with my article on the nineteenth century periodical literature, which has a long list of references and includes a discussion of dreams and imagination. Many of the references are to British literature, which was often reprinted in the American press.

Vande Kemp, H. (1981). The dream in periodical literature: 1860- 1910. The Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 17, 88- 113.

The most important writer on your topic for the nineteenth century was Frederick Greenwood who wrote a book and at least one popular article on dreams and imagination

Greenwood, F. (1894). Imagination in dreams and their study. London: John Lane; New York: Macmillan. [I have a copy of this book, if you can't find one through interlibrary loan]

Greenwood, F. (1892). Imagination in dreams. Eclectic Magazine, 56, 446-457.

You'll find other interesting material. For example, Robert Louis Stevenson dreamed many of his story plots. And if you examine the appendices to my dissertation, you'll find dozens of "creative dreams" that were reported in the British and American popular press.

-- Hendrika Vande Kemp (hendrika@earthlink.net), September 03, 2002.