An astounding piece of synthetic analysis of a very, very complicated field, this book has rightly been referrred to by scores and scores of subsequent writers in the field of psychoanalysis and personality theory. The authors have critically scrutinzed the various schools of thought in the post-Freudian landscape and astutely determined their theoretical similarities and differences. The writing is direct and persuasive, albeit intended for an audience familiar with psychological terminology. It is amazing work and one of the best books in any field over the last 20 years.

This book is necessary in developing a full understanding of Object Relations Theory.

This book is cited in virtually every book written on object relations theory since its publication. It gives a thorough background to the theories of all of the major contributors to object relations theory. It is brilliantly written and understandable with a basic knowledge of psychoanalytic jargon. An essential work.