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This book addresses a plural audience of psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and the lay public, focusing mainly on technique. It is Lichtenberg's most recent in a prolific theoretical and clinical career as a distinguished psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, and teacher. Writing concisely and evocatively about intricate theoretical and technical matters, he covers a large psychoanalytic terrain with economy and clarity. Lichtenberg demystifies psychoanalytic language for the novice, while at the same time reinvigorating a familiar lexicon for the experienced clinician. In such an effort, complex subjects are rendered understandable and meaningful through the author's obvious skill as a writer. One drawback of his project is that at times rich theoretical material may be too condensed or simplified for the psychoanalysts in his audience. At times I was left feeling that the book was clinically sophisticated, but I also had a lingering experience that Lichtenberg's necessary simplifications skirt the real controversies and differences a deep analytic discussion might produce. On the other side, I also imagine a lay audience is not terribly engaged by the combative intellectual sparring that often occurs in our psychoanalytic culture. Apart from this dilemma, Lichtenberg's book is successful as a summary of the method and aims of exploratory psychotherapy. I found myself thinking of the concept of ‘clinical pearls’ or bits of wisdom received from a wise and seasoned analyst, and was reminded of the invaluable and generous Survival as a psychotherapist (Coltart, 1993), or the pearls of wisdom associated with Winnicott's writing.