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The Story of Infant Development

Author(s) : Romana Negri, Author(s) : Martha Harris

Reviews and Endorsements

‘This book brings together the closely observed development of Simone (from birth to three) and the perceptive comments of Martha (or Mattie) Harris, who was such an influential figure in the development of the Observational Studies Course at the Tavistock. Romana Negri’s pioneering work on neonatal intensive care units is informed both by infant observation and by psychoanalysis. She presents in this volume the transcribed tapes of her detailed observation of a normally developing infant, whom Martha Harris supervised for three years. Other chapters present observations of children in hospital that formed part of their diagnostic assessment, and the book includes commentaries by Donald Meltzer and Martha Harris together. This book will be of outstanding interest to all readers whether parents, teachers, or mental health professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of the roots of mental life.’
Jonathan Bradley, former Organizing Tutor of the Tavistock Observational Studies Course

‘Romana Negri’s pioneering work on neonatal intensive care units is informed both by infant observation and by psychoanalysis. She presents in this volume the transcribed tapes of her detailed observation of a normally developing infant, whom Martha Harris supervised for three years. Other chapters present observations of children in hospital that formed part of their diagnostic assessment, and the book also includes commentaries by Donald Meltzer and Martha Harris together. This book will be of outstanding interest to all readers – whether parents, teachers, or mental health professionals – who wish to deepen their understanding of the roots of mental life.’
Maria Rhode, Professor of Child Psychotherapy, Tavistock Clinic/University of East London

‘What a pleasure it is to have this record of a sustained encounter with the inspirational teaching of Martha Harris, to whom a whole generation of child psychotherapists feel they owe their fundamental psychoanalytic education and approach to child development and family relationships. The book reminds us of her fresh and lively imagination, disciplined attention to the observational detail, and unrivalled capacity to contain and encourage her students. The children she discusses become complex and memorable individuals through her illuminating commentary. Indeed, her work offers a model of the integration of theory, clinical imagination and life wisdom, and allows the reader to share the creation of meaning through dialogue.’
Margaret Rustin, former Head of Child Psychotherapy, Tavistock Clinic