"How Humans Relate: A New interpersonal Theory"

by John Birtchnell

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,
88 Post Road West,
P.O. Box 5007,
Westport,
CT. 06881-5007,
USA.

Tel 203 226 3571.
Fax 203 222 1502.

British outlet for Praeger:

Eurospan,
3 Henrietta Street,
Covent Garden,
London
WC2E 8LU

Tel +44 (0) 171 240 0856.
Fax 0171 379 0609.

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