Taking as his starting point Melanie Klein's concept of the paranoid-schizoid position, and succinctly reviewing subsequent developments within the Kleinian perspective, Robert T. Waska formulates a distinctive and subtle argument concentrated on the topic of primitive loss. It is Waska's conviction that the experience of loss has a primacy within the paranoid-schizoid position but that this has received insufficient and indequate recognition, with significant implications for analytic technique.<BR>With this standpoint as his orienting focus, Waska provides a discussion of such issues as projective identification, symbolization, transference and counter transference. An examination of theoretical issues is buttressed with substantial illustrative case material throughout.<BR>Calling for further work to be done in refining and clarifying the understanding of loss, and its intrapsychic, interpersonal and technical ramifications, the present volume represents a significant contribution and stimulus to that task.