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Despite this volume's rather nondescript title, the reader soon discovers that the book is in fact a festschrift honoring Saul Scheidlinger's forty years of contributions to psychoanalytic group therapy. Among group
therapists Scheidlinger is viewed as a highly respected teacher and skilled group practitioner. He is widely recognized for his ability to use psychoanalytic principles and core concepts of group interaction to explain the intricacies of leadership in groups and organizations, for his research interests in group psychotherapy, and for his important contributions to education. A humanist and long-time social activist renowned for his dedication in assisting the socially and politically disadvantaged, Scheidlinger has been a prime mover and effective leader in numerous organizations.
To honor his close friend, editor Saul Tuttman invited a select group of other friends and professional colleagues to address some of Scheidlinger's major interests during his distinguished career. Together they wrote twenty-one concise chapters grouped into nine parts. Through the book, Tuttman hopes to advance group psychodynamic theory and further the effectiveness of group therapy. Consistent with Scheidlinger's spirit, he also strives to “apply group process understanding to society on behalf of the general welfare.”
Overall, Tuttman has done a fine job of editing and organizing the book. From a theoretical and clinical perspective, some chapters appear to be more scholarly, relevant, psychoanalytically oriented, interesting, and better written than others.
The first part of the book provides biographical data and personal insights; the second consists of two scholarly chapters that deal with the group and society. Drawing on Scheidlinger's paper on scapegoating (1982a), Gadlin elucidates examples of the phenomenon, citing biblical examples and extending the concept to current political situations. In his chapter, Mack discusses other large group mechanisms, such as stereo