Boundary And Space

by Madeleine Davis, David Wallbridge

First published in 1991. D. W. Winnicott-one of this century's most important theorists-is the focus of the new edition of this extraordinary volume. Drawing extensively upon Winnicott' s own papers and lectures, the main themes of his theory and personal development are revealed. His vast contributions to the understanding of the profound significance of infancy in the total life of human beings is brought to the foreground. And throughout, D. W. Winnicott-noted pediatrician and child analyst, revered teacher and theorist-shines through. Part I, The Background, discusses Winnicott's personal beliefs and the evolution of his theory of emotional development. In Part II, The Theory of Emotional Development, his main themes are Basic Assumptions, Early Psychic Functioning, Adapting to Shared Reality, and The Environmental Provision. Part III, Boundary and Space. considers some of the implications of Winnicott' s theory of development for the individual, and for society. Boundary and Space provides the first systematic presentation of D. W. Winnicott' s developmental and clinical methodology. This up­dated edition also includes a comprehensive bibliography of the works from which the book draws, in addition to an enlightening article that links Winnicott' s evolving ideas to various stages of his life. For all pro­fessionals and students interested in human development, this volume is an essential invitation into the world of D. W. Winnicott. his words and work.

Genres: Psychology

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Jimmy Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to glean some more information about the objective and subjective distinction formation of the human mind. It is a good primer for Winnicott's work, as it gives a good quick summary of his main points of view and perspective on life and human psychology in general and was written by a society of people who are there to keep his work available to the public. Interesting to me personally for learning more about Winnicott's concepts of transitional object and transitional phenomena. Recommended for anyone embarking on a perusal through his later works, as I intend on doing so in the near future.

[Rose Gowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everything I need to know in life is in Winnicott. I am tempted to rate this book less highly because it is not actually Winnicott, it is only a secondary source-- but then, that's exactly what it claims to be.

For weeks I've been thinking about the idea of outside/inside, which I got from this book. That we think of our truest, most essential selves as being "inside," and that the psychic self coincides with the physical self. It really explains for me why I felt so violated when I had to get a tooth pulled last year; I had agreed to the removal of the rotten tooth, but still, the invasion of my person was not okay with me.