Textbook of Psychoanalysis
It is quite possible that if given a choice of only one volume with which to spend a summer on a deserted island, this would be the one I d choose. The breadth of this compilation is tantamount to a summary text covering four years of analytic training seminars. It explores psychoanalysis roots, the history of its core concepts, both old and new, its emergent multiple schools of thought demonstrating their influence on both theory and technique, and finally the extraordinary importance of psychoanalysis to research, philosophy, gender studies, infant development and attachment theory, and finally, the arts. This book brings the psychoanalytic reader, whether neophyte or ancient traveler, up to date with many of the canon s greatest ideas. In so doing, it is an indispensable teaching tool. Bravo Gabbard, Litowitz, and Williams! --Philip A. Ringstrom, Ph.D., Psy.D., Training and Supervising Analyst at the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, CaliforniaPhilosopher of science Ludwi k Fleck classified the transmission of scientific knowledge into four types: journal science (shared by a professional group); handbook science (technical guides for carrying out practical procedures); popular science (for the general public); and textbook science (repositories of established current knowledge, used to teach and transmit that knowledge). Traditionally, textbooks have played a lesser role in psychoanalytic training as transmitters or encoders of the field's received wisdom than they have in other clinical fields. However, this volume will be an exception. The breadth of its subject matter and the diversity of backgrounds of its contributors not only captures but significantly expands the body of accepted psychoanalytic knowledge. It is not a volume to be kept on the shelf but deserves a place chairside for every psychoanalytic clinician, researcher, and contributor. Congratulations to the editors for their achievement. --Arnold Richards, M.D., Training and Supervising Analyst, New York Psychoanalytic InstituteThe second edition of this renowned textbook makes it even more secure in its place as the outstanding overview of American psychoanalysis. Each chapter is written by an expert in its area, and Gabbard, Litowitz and Williams have done a remarkable job in ensuring the combination of comprehensiveness, depth of understanding, and readability. The book is more than a textbook. It is the single most complete and authoritative presentation of psychodynamics and psychoanalysis available. Everyone should have it on hand. --Sydney E. Pulver, M.D., Training and Supervising Analyst, Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA