Psychoanalysis: The Vital Issues, Volume II: Edited by George H. Pollock and John E. Gedo. New York: International Universities Press. 1984. Pp. 498.

This second volume of papers from the conference which commemorated the fiftieth year of psychoanalysis in Chicago is subtitled 'Clinical Psychoanalysis and Its Applications' and contains papers which explore problems in the clinical theory of psychoanalysis. The papers have in common a concern with the question of whether and how clinical theory influences technique. Many of the papers contain references to the work of Heinz Kohut, and the volume as a whole provides an indication of how Kohut's concepts are being assimilated and developed within some sectors of psychoanalysis. Multi-authored volumes almost invariably suffer from some lack of integration and unevenness of quality, and this collection is strengthened by the introductions to each of its five sections.

Part I: 'Transference and Countertransference', is introduced by Charles Kligerman. He provides a brief history of the development of the concepts of transference and countertransference and delineates areas of current controversy. He emphasizes the increasing recognition of the potential usefulness of countertransference associated with the growing awareness of the mutuality of the analytic relationship.

Jacob A. Arlow, in his paper 'The psychoanalytic process in regard to the development of transference and interpretation', addresses the current controversy as to whether a theory of the psychoanalytic process properly rests on concepts of conflict and defence, or must include concepts of developmental deficit. It is Arlow's belief that both the neurotic process and the psychoanalytic process are best understood in terms of dynamics, conflict and compromise formation. In his customarily clear and convincing manner, he identifies the dangers inherent in approaches which emphasize the role of the analyst as a new object for the patient.

Arnold M. Cooper describes an interesting subgroup of narcissistic-masochistic patients and the particularly difficult countertransference responses which they evoke.