All choices are personal but some more personal than others. The task of selecting from the vast literature of psychoanalysis has felt like the task of the castaway on Desert Island Discs; should I include old faithfuls of long ago or replace them with the shining prizes of today? My selection will not be the same as that of any other psychoanalyst and reflects my position as a therapist who works with individuals, groups and institutions, and who tries both to clarify the different frames of reference appropriate to these areas, and to seek unifying common factors.