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It is hard to know when trying to write a review of less than 1500 words how to fit in all that I would want to say about this book - yet I think this dilemma reflects a problem that the editors had in creating their book. The book simply strains to contain within itself so much - at times it succeeds brilliantly, while at other times it left me dissatisfied, wishing for much more that I thought should have been included or elaborated on. There is enough material to fill at least two books. Even the physicality of the book exemplifies this: it is a couple of inches wider than most books to which we are accustomed, which, while looking very attractive, actually makes it harder to hold.
As with so many edited books it is probably not really intended to be read from beginning to end, but rather to be dipped into as the reader wishes. Nevertheless, unlike many edited volumes, it has a clear rationale in the way it is presented, being divided into four parts. Part I gives historical background; Part II, the most substantial part of the book, concentrates on developmental phases from infancy to adolescence, illustrating Anna Freud's approach to these through mainly clinical papers; Part III has papers on specialized work and Part IV has brief personal commentaries from those connected with the Anna Freud Centre. There is also a rather strange appendix giving biographical details of some of those mentioned in other chapters or who were connected with the Anna Freud Centre over the years, but which, inevitably, is very partial, thus not giving biographical details of some people who were much involved, or who were indeed mentioned, but whom we hear no more about. At times when there were lists of those who were involved in various study groups it felt rather like name checking, ensuring that no-one would feel left out - and yet of course many people were. It must have been hard for the editors to have had a realistic idea about who their readers may be. Did they anticipate t