In the summary at the end of this splendid volume, Goldberg explains that this is an old-fashioned book. Indeed it is: clear, explicit prose, jargon-free, rich in clinical examples, and drawing on a profound history of psychoanalysis without invoking the latest and most fashionable views in the field. As the title implies, the bulk of the book concerns itself with the vertical split, but it also presents many other observations about psychoanalytic process, technique, and values. In addition to the exposition of its principal topic, I would strongly recommend reading the last evaluative section, entitled “Between Empathy and Judgment.” Here Goldberg frankly discusses a variety of ideas relevant to the role of psychoanalysis in our culture, as well as his sound position on the old nature-nurture controversy, an area in great flux now because of recent neurophysiological findings.