TYPED LETTER SIGNED by the ITALIAN FREUDIAN PSYCHOANALIST EMILIO SERVADIO to the author JOHN HYDE PRESTON, regarding the Italian translation of a novel Preston is writing.

Rome, Italy, January 12th, 1952.. 1952.. Good. - Over 280 words typed on his personal 1-3/8 inch high by 8-7/8 inch wide stationery. John Hyde Preston, the author of "Mad Anthony Wayne" and "Revolution 1776" among other books, had sought treatment from Dr. Servadio back in 1948 and the two obviously stayed in touch. In his letter Emilio Servadio writes that "I was particularly pleased to learn that you are in good health, and that you have been working constructively and successfully. I have no doubt that this has been partly due to some good work that we did together; but the presence and assistance of such a splendid feminine figure as you describe it, has certainly been of paramount importance for your well being." It appears that John Hyde Preston was at work on another novel and Servadio is offering suggestions as to who could assist with the Italian translation: "I have had a talk with a good friend of mine, Prof. Giuseppe D'Agnano ... about the Italian translation of 'The Stations of Power'. He has already done some good translation work from English into Italian, and I think he might be the right person for you." Servadio further offers to help advertise the novel as soon as it "is announced in the American Press". [We've been unable to find evidence of any book of that title, nor any book which Preston published within a year of that day. It is possible that the novel which Servadio mentions was never published or that Preston released it under another title several years later]. Dr. Servadio is happy to report that his health is "quite good" and is proud of having recently successfully treated another American patient. Signed in green ink "E. Servadio". Folded for mailing with minor creases to the corners. <p>The Italian physician and Freudian psychoanalist Emilio Servadio studied music before moving on to the study of law and eventually psychology. A lover of literature, Servadio was drawn to the French avant-garde & symbolist poets. Psychology, particularly the academic psychology of the period, held little interest for him until Freud's "Introduction to Psychoanalysis" stirred deeper feelings. He met and learned from Edoardo Weiss and later collaborated with Weiss to found the Italian Psychoanalytical Society. At the Lucerne Congress in 1934, he presented his paper on "Psychoanalysis and Telepathy" and in 1937 co-founded the "Societa di Metapsichica" (which became the "Societa Italiana di Parasicologia" after the war). Fascinated by metaphysical subjects, Servadio made use of investigative methods to study paranormal phenomena. Servadio was Jewish and he and several colleagues were forced to flee when the Fascist regime enacted racial laws in 1938. Having already been following Indian spiritual practices and possessing a diploma from an Indian University, Servadio moved to India where he came into contact with the religion, symbols and cultures of the people and could further his interest in Yoga and investigate its parallels with psychoanalysis. After his return to Italy in 1946 he, together with Nicola Perrotti and Cesare Musatti, was responsible for the rebirth of Italian psychoanalysis. To understand psychotic states, he experimented with hallucinogens and studied the effects of LSD. "I passed hours in a memorable psychological state of chaos", he wrote, "Today, when a patient talks about depersonalization, neurosis of abandon or persecution fantasies I know what it means." Servadio co-authored with Roberto Cavanna "ESP Experiments with LSD 25 and Psilocylbin: A Methodological Approach", published by the Parapsychology Foundation in 1964. Back in 1952, the renowned Italian film director Federico Fellini experienced the first signs of clinical depression while filming "La Strada" and sought out Emilio Servadio for therapy. Fellini was later attracted to parapsychology and the Turin magician Gustavo Rol introduced him to spiritism and seances. Soon after, Fellini took LSD under Servadio's supervision. His hallucinatory insights and visions subsequently inspired his 1965 film "Juliet of the Spirits". Servadio was a man of many interests and his quest for knowledge led him to join the Freemasons. As a member of the "Monte Sion Har Tzion" lodge he pursued studies on the Jewish-cabalistic tradition. His interest in sexology led to the publication of his "Sex Education" book in 1970, "Psyche and Sexuality" in 1972 and "Sex and Psyche" in 1979. He was an early supporter of sex education in school and spoke on the subject of homosexuality as well as feminine sexuality. Harkening back to his early love of literature and avant-garde poets, at the age of 80, Servadio published his second book of poetry "Poesie d'amore e di Pena". The book was the recipient of several awards and led Servadio to publish several more poetry books.