“With the erudition and clinical sensitivity that characterizes his earlier work on the subject of psychotherapy, Chessick has now turned to the broad topic of narcissistic disorders. He has undertaken the ambitious task of integrating what is currently known about narcissistic psychopathology, in relation to both the analyzable narcissistic personality disorders and the so-called borderline patient.

Chessick allows his readers to follow his hard-won understanding and treatment approach along with his sincere attempt at making sense of the widely disparate theories and technical precepts offered in the literature. He boldly strives to incorporate the views of Balint, Klein, Kernberg, Gedo, Goldberg, Kohut, Giovacchini and others, astutely selecting the issues relevant to such an endeavor.

The usefulness of Chessick’s contribution lies in the fact that he illuminates his formulations with clinical vignettes and raises the central and still unanswered questions. This permits the reader to make his own evaluation of the various theories and techniques, guided by the fine, synthesizing mind of the author.”

Paul Ornstein, M.D.