This book is addressed to “lovers of paradoxes” and we have done our utmost to assemble a stellar cast of Neapolitan and American scholars, intellectuals, and artists/writers who are strong and open-minded enough to wrestle with and illuminate the paradoxes through which Naples presents itself. Naples is a mysterious metropolis. Difficult to understand, it is an enigma to outsiders, and also to the Neapolitans themselves. Its very impenetrableness is what makes it so deliriously and irresistibly attractive. The essays attempt to give some hints to the answer of the enigma, without parsing it into neat scholastic formulas. In doing this, the book will be an important means of opening Naples to students, scholars and members of the community at large who are engaged in “identity-work.” A primary goal has been to establish a dialogue with leading Neapolitan intellectuals and artists, and, ultimately, ensure that the “deliriously Neapolitan” dance continues.

This book focuses on the most basic of human interactions _ love and attachment in all of their permutations and the barriers that exist to achieving closeness. The specific topics addressed include gender, class, race, and ethnicity. All these demonstrate the complexity of relationships in contemporary life. This work reflects the growing body of knowledge of developmental theory and attachment research. The rich confluence of psychodynamic understanding and attachment studies is synthesized with techniques for working with specific populations. Collectively, the authors present a comprehensive understanding of love in all of its current configurations: internal and interpersonal problems in adult life, dysfunctional attachments, and intimacy in the treatment relationship. It will help therapists hone their clinical skills to promote their clinical skills to promote their clients' growth, love, and attachment.