ABSTRACT

This chapter describes Melanie Klein’s personal history and her work in Berlin. It also covers the part played by Alix Strachey, Joan and Ernest Jones in encouraging Klein to come and live in England. Klein and Alix were both in analysis with Karl Abraham, president of the Berlin Psychoanalytic Society. Klein saw child patients in the Berlin Policlinic as well as colleagues’ children. Alix was electrified by Klein’s presentation of her work. The male analysts were horrified. Abraham’s sudden death left Klein unprotected. Joan and Alix supported Klein to leave Berlin. The chapter demonstrates Joan’s unusually affectionate relationship with Klein.