From Safety to Superego: Selected Papers of Joseph Sandler

Joseph Sandler is known to students of psychoanalysis the world over as one of the chief figures of psychoanalytic theory for the past 25 years. His writings have been immensely influential in setting the directions of theoretical reflections and articulating the dominant themes of the still emerging "talking cure". This comprehensive volume brings together for the first time the many divergent elements of Sandler's rich reconceptualization of psychoanalytic thought.

Psychoanalysis was still very much a developing theory at the time of Freud's death. Coupled with Freud's lack of concern for the rigorous use of terms, this meant that much had to be done in order to bring psychoanalysis more fully under the aegis of "hard science". Sandler, as the Director of the Anna Freud Centre, has been in a unique position to effect the necessary changes. The seminal papers presented here are as strong and fresh now as when they originally appeared. They are arranged chronologically to reveal Sandler's evolving understanding of psychoanalytic thought. Sandler's brief chapter introductions, by placing each contribution in conceptual context, gives the work a unified flow.

FROM SAFETY TO SUPEREGO will be "must reading" for anyone interested in psychoanalysis. As a historical document it provides a conceptual review of mainstream psychoanalytic thought since Freud's death. As a theoretical document, it demonstrates the continuing viability of psychoanalytic therapy.