This introduction to the psychoanalytic process also presents a review of Freud's theory of the psyche, a summary of the work of Freud's close associates, and a brief survey of later developments in psychoanalysis through the work of Balint, Bion, Fairbairn, Klein, and Winnicott. Symington's book is closely based on the author's in-service training lectures at the Tavistock Clinic, London. The conversational style of the lecture format translates very well to the printed page, resulting in a readily accessible and engaging expression of the author's critically sympathetic understanding of psychoanalysis. It imparts a sense of the interpersonal resonance between analyst and patient and provides an even-handed overview of the major analytic theories.