Clinical Lectures on Klein and Bion. Edited by Robin Anderson.  New Library of Psychoanalysis No. 14. London: Routledge. Pp.  139. £9.99.

This book is based on nine public lectures presented in a series which aims to present developments in psychoanalysis to a non-specialist audience. The chapters are written by well-known and leading Kleinian analysts.

The first six chapters focus on certain of Klein's theoretical developments: the concept of unconscious phantasy, child analysis, projective identification, and the

paranoid-schizoid and depressive positions. There are a further three chapters focusing on Bion's development of Klein's ideas, in particular his work with borderline and psychotic patients, his development of Klein's ideas on projective identification, the idea of the container and the contained, and his theories on the development of the capacity for thinking.

In each chapter the author gives a concise description of the theoretical concept, describing the ways in which Klein's original ideas have been developed and modified by those coming after her, until the present day. As the title of the book suggests, however, this is not meant to be a dry, theoretical presentation. Each author illustrates the way in which these ideas have developed and how they are used in their clinical practice today. This brings the theories alive, and most of the clinical accounts are vividly described and interesting.

Although these lectures were originally aimed at a general audience, there is no suggestion of over-simplification in the presentation. The full complexity of the theories is described, and their continuing relevance in clinical work today is clearly demonstrated throughout.

The book is an enjoyable as well as an informative read. It will provide an excellent introduction to the work of Klein and Bion for someone coming to these ideas for the first time. It will also provide an opportunity for further thought and fuller understanding to those more experienced.

I would certainly recommend it.