Dedication

When The Annual of Psychoanalysis was founded in 1973, and Volume I appeared, the first paper was by Heinz Kohut. This position of primacy was fitting in a real and symbolic sense—for Heinz was, in my view, unquestionably the most seminal and influential psychoanalytic thinker to emerge from the Chicago Institute. An integral member of this group to the end of his life, he went on to make deeply significant contributions to every aspect of psychoanalysis—clinical, theoretical, educational, administrative—and to the broad social and cultural areas of its application. In fact his fundamental work, the development of the Psychology of the Self, not only markedly extended the range of effective psychoanalytic work in the individual but offered a meaningful intrapsychic approach to the problem of Self and Other which opened up new possibilities in the psychoanalytic understanding of society, the humanities, and the arts. That first paper, “Psychoanalysis in a Troubled World,” was an expression of a passionate interest that rivaled his investment in his profound clinical contribution.

It is not possible in this brief statement to give an adequate impression of his scientific contribution, his extraordinary cultural range, or the singular charm and nobility of his character. Perhaps the succeeding pages will afford some reflection of this. It is often difficult to reach an accurate perspective on the historical significance of a powerful and creative innovator in one's own time. But it seems clear that Kohut's work, renowned throughout the psychoanalytic world and beyond, his development, out of the classical Freudian matrix, of Self Psychology, which many believe points the future direction of psychoanalysis, places him in the front rank of the few really great and original minds in our field after Freud. With pride and affection, this volume is dedicated to the honor and memory of Heinz Kohut.

Charles Kligerman, M.D.