Psychoanalysis--History, Psychoanalysis--Philosophy, Psychoanalytic Theory, Psychoanalysis--trends 

"An unusual treatise and a masterful book." -Doris K. Silverman One of the world's leading psychoanalytic scholars offers a state-of-the-art guide to the most significant developments of the past quarter of a century. Among the timely subjects covered are: the philosophic and conceptual foundations of psychoanalysis; advances in infant research; the neurobiological bases of the self; ego psychology, self psychology; the Kleinian tradition; and French psychoanalysis. "A brilliant, outspoken, and uncompromising exegesis of psychoanalysis in its every dimension.... Clearly written, lively, irreverent, and idiosyncratic, this is both a major contribution to the field, and a pleasure to read." -Edgar A. Levenson Editorial Reviews From Library Journal These two authors agree that psychoanalysis is a science, that some of Freud's theories are wrong, that relationships are as important as drives, and that, in the end, psychoanalysis is worth pursuing as a therapy, a theory of mind, and a boon to humanity. Schwartz, a London psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in physics, tells a rousing tale of Freud's life and legacyAwith a social point of view, adding "justice" to the staples of love and work that signal mental health. His biographical writing on Freud and Adler is derivative and incomplete (Jung gets short shrift, Rank gets none), but he does examine the work of Karen Horney, Marie Langer, and many others who are usually ignored, and his work demonstrates a fine grasp of science and history, a lively style, and a social conscience. His uneven coverage and brashness can also be forgiven because he enlivens a difficult subject so well. Neophytes and experienced psychoanalysts alike will profit from this book. Gedo, a distinguished Chicago psychoanalyst, takes a different approach: he reviews 60 important psychoanalytic books produced over the last 25 years. Whereas Schwartz champions Ronald Fairbairn and dismisses Jacques Lacan, Gedo's favorites are less obvious; and whereas Schwartz's book is easy to read, Gedo's is highly technical. Gedo combines respect for biology and philosophy with articulate, academic writing on complex themes. He seeks links with brain sciences and disdains mentalism (e.g., Lacan), holding out hope for progress in psychoanalysis that is innovative but well grounded in theory and studied practice. Nonspecialists may find the introduction and final chapters useful as an overview, but this is a book by, and indispensable for, psychoanalysts.AE. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.