As to the many cures claimed by Dr. Bergler, in which there is described a complete and basic reorientation of the patient into heterosexual patterns, the most interesting commentary may be found on pp. 28-29. Dr. Bergler first gives his opinion of homosexuals as "essentially disagreeable people" whose inner conflicts "sap so much of their . . . energy that the shell is a mixture of superciliousness, fake aggression, and whimpering. Like all psychic masochists, they are subservient when confronted with a stronger person, merciless when in power, unscrupulous about trampling upon a weaker person." Then Dr. Bergler refers to his "cured homosexual patients," and "their opinions of homosexuals years after their cures." He goes on to say, "The impressions of their former confreres I have received from cured homosexuals were deadly criticisms that made mine appear mild by comparison," This being the case, Dr. Bergler's clinical approach must be quite similar to others in current vogue, or to that instinctively self-applied by certain types of homosexuals, namely, that an extreme anti-homosexual bias must be induced in order for the individual to support any kind of a heterosexual superstructure. The happily-oriented heterosexual, as is well known, does not invent or even espouse "deadly criticisms" of homosexuals,

As to the strong anti-homosexual attitudes prevalent among some heterosexual persons, and attributed by many homosexuals to repressed homosexual leanings, Dr. Bergler says that this attitude on the part of heterosexuals is due, (p. 301), "Recollection of the lack of direction that characterized the surging-up of his own puberal sex, and the allure of early infantile passivity in himself, manifested when he was in danger of being seduced by older boys who meant business' in puberty." It is very difficult indeed to reconcile these observations with Dr. Bergler's views, stated elsewhere, that bisexuality is non-existent. What could this "lack of direction" mean, and this susceptibility to seduction, unless it implies an original potentiality for both homosexual and heterosexual orientation?

Of real value to readers is Dr. Bergler's list of undesirable character traits, stemming from unconscious masochistic tendencies, to which both homosexuals and heterosexuals are frequently prone. Both groups can profit alike from this phase of Dr. Bergler's presentation, providing they can ignore the smoke-screen of homosexuality, and come to grips with the basic conditions involved.

L.V.

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