The first edition of Menninger's »theory of the psychoanalytic technique« in the American original has already become one of the most respected and influential books in this area. The German edition in hand is based on the second revised edition (1973), co-authored by Menninger's pupil Holzman. Menninger views the psychoanalytical treatment as an agreement between analyst and analytic patient. He describes the process of analysis in great detail, starting with the formation of an agreement, the occurring regression, transfereal and counter-transferal, the resistance of the patient, the interpretation and other forms of interventions up to the conclusion and thereby the dissolution of the contract.