The authors portray our archetypal fears as an intrinsic part of the human condition. They present it in a completely new, clearly structured format. Fear is a fascinating phenomenon. It is inseparable from being alive. It is necessary for growth. Fear is a most useful tool provided by existence when skillfully employed. People, although being sensitive to the fears of others, often avoid looking at their own fears for very comprehensible reasons. Yet it is extremely rewarding to do just that - with curiosity and interest but without judgment. It is consoling to assume that each one of us shares their archetypal fears with millions and millions of other people.

Dr. Varda B. Hasselmann was born in Germany in 1946 and grew up in Italy. She followed a career as a lecturer of medieval languages and literature at the University of Göttingen. She meet her husband Frank Schmolke in 1967 when they were students. Varda also is the author of two well-known novels and a collection of short stories.