ORGONE, REICH AND EROS: Wilhelm Reich's Theory of Life Energy

by W. Edward Mann ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1973

With the renascence of interest in Reich (so appropriate in this time of maverick therapies and whole earth affinities) sociologist Mann's guarded but ""generally favorable"" and restitutive presentation of his work will no doubt be welcome. Certainly Reich was a true visionary even if some of his methodology was suspect (particularly in his Cancer Biopathy and it is hard to believe as Mann would have us do that much of what he presented there will be vindicated). Since Reich's death there has been little published research on the physical aspect of orgone although no one can deny that it has permeated everywhere (particularly in the field of bioenergetics) or already been existent (in the philosophies of the East whether you call it prana or mana or the vital force hovering behind acupuncture). Mann has done a good and wide-spreading job of synthesizing Reich's theories in many interdisciplinary realms even if some of their affiliated spokesmen are not above reproach -- spiritualists of one kind or another, even Orson Bean. There are so many ""spin-offs"" from his work whether or not you accept his primary orgone theory. Since the '50's, Mann has attempted (summarized in a closing chapter) some of his own, admittedly unscientific, research in the use of orgone blankets with friends and family who seem to have had various conditions improved. But when all is said and done, in the end it is as in the beginning -- ""quantitatively. . . verification has been extremely limited"" here and elsewhere. However predisposed one may be to the liberating benefits of the life force.

Pub Date: June 1, 1973

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1973

Categories: NONFICTION