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Summary: An excellent book for those who have already dealt with TA
Review: E.Berne in this book analyzes the games, pastimes and rituals people play. He also analyzes people's existencial position, when they actually decide to play a particular game. It is a fantastic analysis for those who have already read many books on Transactional Analysis and a very creative tool for phychologists and phychiatrists. Apart from that, the author is using a very common language for the layman and his argumentation is based on scientific experiements. Indeed a great book for an outstanding scientist.
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Summary: A Must Read
Review: Eric Berne's ideas on transactional analysis are fascinating. Not only for students of psychology, but for those interested in the creative arts as well, this is a must read. I first came upon his theories in an acting class, where his "games and scripts" were being studied as possible character motivations. As a writer, I find I rely on his fundament ideas quite a bit. This is a quick read that transmits a lot of useful information for its slender size.
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Summary: Fascinating but simple and it doesn't flow
Review: Far be it from me to comment on the validity of such a well-researched and ground breaking psychological phenomenon as transactional analysis, but for me I felt that this book was a little too neat and tidy. I found this a fascinating subject and one which I hoepd would provide me with some insight with regards to understanding others and indeed myself. I wanted to appreciate the complexity and motivations of inter-personal relationships. This book did provide such insight, however I found boxing people into one of the limited number of chapters or games Berne describes really invalidates the huge 'grey area' of human behavioural instincts which a book less then 200 pages long cannot hope of encapsulating. To his credit, Berne does indicate early on that this is really a sequel to his earlier work and should be understood within that context. I did not read his earlier work and perhaps my opinion of the book is less then qualified as a result.Certainly if you're looking for an interesting but incomplete insight into the 'way people are' (or perhaps rather 'the way people can be') then this is definitely one to read. If you are after a more comprehensive account of behavioural research in psychology thus far, look for something else. I should also add that the book doesn't seem to read well. It's a little disjointed and takes some getting used to the writing style. In short, recommended for the casual observer.
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Summary: This is an essential book for all adults.
Review: Honest. This is one of the most important books for recognizing and avoiding the traps set by other people. It lays out the specific games and tactics used by those who seek dishonestly the sympathy, assistance, or time of other people. Those who play dishonest games and do not realize it, may recognize this in themselves.
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Summary: i didn't like it one bit.
Review: I didn't find the information i was looking for
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Summary: Sean Granger commentary
Review: I find the book fascinating and relevant. The read itself is worthwile. The information seems to be extremely accurate in describing the behavior of people and why we act the way we do.
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Summary: Impractical
Review: I hate giving bad reviews because I somehow feel unqualified. But, I bought this book because of all the good reviews, and I feel I've waisted my money. I must admit, I did enjoy the section on Structured Analysis. It is an interesting theory. First of all, this book was written in the 70's, so the writing style is old. Secondly, the book is too mathematical, which made me wonder whether the author was talking about robots. Finally, the "games" outlined are very vague and impractical. I believe this book is only useful for therapists. But, here in the real world, it isn't useful. Overall, I do not recommend this book (Unless you are studying psychology, and then I would recommend: "Scripts People Live", by Claude Steiner, instead). If you are looking for a practical book (and modern) that deals with people and their games, then I would recommend: "Emotional Vampires: Dealing with People Who Drian You Dry", by Albert Bernstein. I give this book 2 stars for the section on Structured Analysis.
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Summary: A masterpiece, should be read by EVERYONE atleast once
Review: I liked it very much and reccomend that every one atleast once in his lifetime reads this book.
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Summary: One of only two books I have used for 20 years.
Review: I read the 1978 edition of this book and it became a part of my life. When you see and recognize the games discussed in the book - in progress - it is hilarious. My 1978 edition was a paperback and has long since been read out of existence. Please send me a replacement. Thank you. Jim Poole, Private Investigator
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Summary: This book sheds light on 'Players' and their games.
Review: I was first noticed this book when my former wife's father gave it to her as a pre-wedding gift. Seven years later, after we seperated, I noticed the book on the shelf with a bookmark in it. Opening it brought me to the bookmark and the game called 'Frigid Woman'. Within minutes, I realized the last year we were together was word for word what Mr. Berne described in his book. Eventually I realized that she was using the knowledge contained in the book to manipulate our relationship. If you buy this book, use it for good. As they say, 'The Force is a powerful ally. Do not succumb to the dark side.'
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