The only comprehensive textbook of psychoanalysis available in the United States, the Textbook of Psychoanalysis was written with both the beginning student in the mental health care professions and the practicing analyst in mind. In a single volume, the editors have compiled contributions that cover the history of psychoanalysis, the major theoretical models, and all facets of treatment and technique.

This pluralistic approach is consistent with the conceptual and clinical diversity of contemporary American psychoanalysis, the focus of this newly revised work. The book also reflects the exponential increase in research activity within psychoanalysis, and the section on research is both up to date and substantive. Also current and extensive is the coverage of the interface between psychoanalysis and other disciplines, such as neuroscience. This interdisciplinary emphasis is one of the many strengths of this new edition.

The editors have created a format that logically and painlessly educates and engages. No other volume offers the range of topics, the depth of coverage, or the accessible writing style of this groundbreaking text.

Review

Philosopher 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 Institute

The 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

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