This very timely book deals with the issue of "how to make human beings human," starting in the earliest days of life. Its focus is on the genesis of the earliest relationship that a baby develops with his parents--and the factors that may enhance or inhibit this process. It is timely because, in historical perspective, we have reached a point at which our past practices are being reexamined and new directions charted. At such times of ferment it is well to have guidance from experts who are skillful clinicians and scientists aware of the frontiers in the science and art of the care of the family of the normal and sick newborn baby. We can be grateful that, with their professional skill, the authors blend a keen sensitivity to the needs of parents, openness in the reexamination of issues, theoretical orientation that permits them to examine and think critically about the complicated issue of attachment between parent and newborn, and modesty in placing their scientific studies as well as those of others in perspective. - from Amzon