This book isn't a story in the traditional sense. It's a transcript of a lecture Sigmund Freud gave to fellow psychoanalysts in Vienna. Think of it as sitting in on a meeting where the most famous mind-doctor of his time presents his most puzzling cases.

The Story

Freud starts by admitting that telepathy—the idea of direct mind-to-mind communication—sounds like superstition. But then he shares real reports from his patients and colleagues. He talks about dreams that contain specific, accurate information about events happening to loved ones miles away, details the dreamer couldn't possibly know. A man dreams his sister has given birth; he gets the telegram the next morning. A woman has a terrifying nightmare about her son; she later learns he was in grave danger at that exact moment. Freud walks us through each case, methodically ruling out coincidence and hidden memory. The "plot" is the tension between his rational, scientific training and these stories that refuse to fit neatly into his existing theories about dreams being solely about our own inner wishes.

Why You Should Read It

What's fascinating is watching Freud think. He's not a true believer shouting about ghosts. He's a cautious, brilliant man genuinely confused by data that contradicts his life's work. You see him trying to stretch his own famous model of the mind to make room for these mysteries. It's less about getting a final answer on telepathy and more about witnessing a great intellect grapple with the unknown. It makes the often-intimidating Freud feel surprisingly human and curious. After reading it, you'll probably catch yourself wondering about that odd dream you had last week.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone curious about the edges of psychology, the history of weird science, or the simple pleasure of listening in on a great mind's private doubts. It's not for readers looking for a definitive guide to dream interpretation or a self-help book. It's a short, speculative, and wonderfully strange footnote in Freud's career that shows even the founders of big ideas didn't have all the answers. If you enjoy thought experiments and historical mysteries, you'll get a kick out of this.