A title in the series Human Evolution, Behavior and IntelligenceSeries
Editor: Seymour W. Itzkoff
Information put together from reviews by John Birtchnell
Hardback ISBN: 0-275-94405-0 published September, 1993. 320 pp. $59.95/£51.95.
Praeger:
The Greenwood Publishing Group,British outlet for Praeger:
Eurospan,Paperback ISBN: 0-86377-432-6 coming out in March, 1996. £11.95
Erlbaum (UK) Taylor & Francis Ltd.
27 Church Road,
Hove,
East Sussex,
BN3 2FA,
UK.
Tel +44 (0) 1273 207411.
Fax +44 (0) 1273 205612.
"An original work which combines evolution theory with a
new interpretation of interpersonal psychology, John Birtchnell
offers a new theory as the basis for a science of relating. Whilst
links can be made between it and classical interpersonal theory,
it has many features that are totally new and original. The theory
states that the relating of humans must have evolved out of, and
be in continuity with, the relating of all other animals. The
fundamental relating objectives of both animals and humans can
most easily be defined by identifying that basic framework of
motives which is common to both."
(Blurb to the paperback edition)
"Until now, we have had no one comprehensive system for organising
and systematizing people's communicational attributes in a clear,
simple model, one that incorporates the schemata of others and
renders them even more useful in their most fundamental form."
from the Foreword by
Professor Russell Gardner Jr.,
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University
of Texas, Galveston:
"This book represents a thoughtful and very accessible account
of a modified approach to interpersonal psychology. Indeed it
is relatively free of complex jargon, flows well and would be
accessible to a more general reader ... Birtchnell clearly has
new things to say and for those interested in the area it is a
must ... He is to be congratulated for bringing together such
a diverse literature and shedding new light on the complexities
of human relating. One can only admire this ambitious and far
reaching effort."
Professor Paul Gilbert, University of Derby, UK:
"I am convinced that John Birtchnell is on to something important
in terms of his vertical and horizontal axes."
Professor Aaron T. Beck, Centre for Cognitive Therapy, University
of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in the Across Species Contrast Comparisons
and Psychopathology Newsletter.
"I recommend this book to anyone interested in human feelings
and interactions; not just professionals, but any intelligent
reader. From Russell Gardner's excellent foreword to the concluding
chapter, the book is easy, relaxed, engaging and informative!
I found myself eager to get on with it, my work an irritant that
took me from the more pleasurable activity."
Carolyn Reichelt, Wadena MN, U.S.A. Across Species Contrast
Comparisons and Psychopathology Newsletter.
"Birtchnell's theory is comprehensive and well thought out.
Hidden within the content, however, is his ability to present
a highly complex and well integrated theory in a clear and easily
understandable style. While an increasing number of authors appear
to try to awe the reader with their own academic prowess, it is
refreshing to read a work in which the style of the presentation
allows the reader to be impressed by the content rather than the
delivery."
Denis R. Trent, British Journal of Medical Psychology.
"Nevertheless, Birtchnell's grasp of the theoretical method
is a rare one that few other contemporary clinical authors have
matched."
Terry Brugha & Robert Kilpatrick International Review of
Psychiatry.
"Dr Birtchnell's quite different mode is to identify and
plot general patterns and shapes in behaviour. His book must be
taken as an important contribution to this endeavour. His astute
observations and lucid style, too, will endear it to many."
Robert Royston, British Journal of Psychotherapy
"Birtchnell's theory makes a valuable contribution to the
clear description of the what of human relating; those wishing
to explore further the how and the why will be well served by
the clarity with which this model discriminates and describes
the what."
Anthony Ryle, Personality and Individual Differences.
"Birtchnell presents a valuable account of the numerous tinkerings
and improvements that have been made to Leary's work, not surprisingly
concluding that his own adjustments have been the best."
Michael Power, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy