The Nonhuman Environment in Normal Development and in Schizophrenia

This is a delightful book dealing with relationships between people and their nonhuman environments during development, maturity, and illness. In a sense the author attempts to view the nonhuman environment not as a lifeless static background but as a participant in the development of the human psyche. The inferences that result from Searles' study are developed largely from his wide and intensive experience with schizophrenic patients. As one would expect in the beginning phases of a new interest, the data presented is more descriptive and anecdotal than scientific. Nevertheless the author writes simply and engagingly, so that one's interest is held and the reader easily understands the author's points. He ranges widely from childhood through psychopathology and finally into the cultural frame of reference. The author quotes 168 references which in itself is a worthwhile contribution. There is an adequate index. The book is highly recommended for the general as well as the specialist psychiatrist.