Vicissitudes of self-esteem are ubiquitous and important as expressions of psychological disturbance; as motivating factors in human action, including motivation for analytic treatment; and as a central aspect of the experience of work, love, and play. The title of this book implies a comprehensive study of the developmental aspects of self-esteem. Further, the presence of Steven Ablon and Pulitzer Prize winner John Mack as editors suggests a strong psychoanalytic treatment