Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Praise for First Edition:

`The book is very intimate; the first chapter on Klein′s personal and professional life is extremely candid and enlightening. Will be enjoyed by pre-professional students and psychoanalytically oriented theoreticians and practitioners′ - Choice

Melanie Klein was without doubt one of the most influential figures in the development of psychoanalysis. Whilst constantly challenging Freud′s theories, and at the same time placing more importance on some of the neglected aspects of his work, Klein developed new psychoanalytic concepts from her detailed observations of the behaviour and thought processes of the children and adults she treated in the consulting room.

In this Second Edition of Melanie Klein , Julia Segal uses case studies of Klein′s sessions with children to show how she developed her unique form of communication with her clients. As well as assessing Klein′s major theoretical and practical contributions to the profession, the author examines and challenges the criticisms aimed at Klein, and traces her influence on counsellors and psychotherapists working today.

In contrast to existing books, which require specialist psychoanalytic knowledge, Julia Segal provides a concise and refreshing introduction to Klein′s life and work which is accessible to all.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• The Life of Melanie Klein
• Klein's Major Theoretical Contributions
• Klein's Major Practical Contributions
• Criticisms and Rebuttals
• The Overall Influence of Melanie Klein
• A Select Bibliography of Klein's Major Writing

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

One in the series ^D["Key Figures in Counselling and Psychotherapy.^D]" By any standard, Melanie Klein was a very controversial person and analyst. Early on, she developed a life-long interest in analyzing children. Where other analysts would urge caution with children, Klein ^D["marched^D]" in, full force. The book is very intimate; the first chapter on her personal and professional life is extremely candid and enlightening. Though Klein later advised against doing this, she analyzed her own children. Her disagreements with Anna Freud are highlighted. Succeeding chapters on her major theoretical and practical contributions, and on the criticisms of her ideas and the rebuttals made by her and others, are interesting. She was willing to work with psychotic patients, whereas other analysts shied away from them. Clearly, her influence was greater with British, European, and South American analysts than with those in the US. Will be enjoyed most by pre-professional students and psychoanalytically oriented theoreticians and practitioners.