Book description
The Psycho-Analysis of Children
, first published in 1932, is a classic in its subject, and
revolutionised child analysis. Melanie Klein had already proved, by the
special technique she devised, that she was a pioneer in that branch of
analysis. She made possible the extension of psycho-analysis to the
field of early childhood, and in this way not only made the treatment of
young children possible but also threw new light on psychological
development in childhood and on the roots of adult neuroses and
psychoses. Melanie Klein was born in Vienna in 1882, the youngest of
four children. At about fourteen she decided to study medicine. With her
brother's help she learnt enough Greek and Latin to pass into the
Gymnasium but her early engagement and subsequent marriage in 1903
brought a halt to her plans. Years later, discovering a booklet on
dreams by Freud, she turned her attentions to psychoanalysis. At this
time she was living in Budapest and began her own analysis with
Ferenczi, who encouraged her interest in the analysis of children. In
1921 she moved to Berlin to continue her work with children, supported
by Dr Karl Abraham, In 1926 she moved to London where she worked and
lived until her death in 1960.
