Abstract

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.
'This is an excellent introduction to the work of Melanie Klein that will appeal both to those who do not know a lot about her work as well as to more advanced readers. The work provides a very helpful biography and describes the development of key concepts with vivid clinical illustrations.’- David Bell, Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy, Tavistock Clinic