Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships [Paperback]

Eric Berne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2009

We all play games. In every encounter with other people we are doing so. The nature of these games depends both on the situation and on who we meet. Eric Berne's classic "Games People Play" is the most accessible and insightful book ever written about the games we play: those patterns of behaviour that reveal hidden feelings and emotions. Wise and witty, it shows the underlying motivations behind our relationships and gives you the keys to unlock the psychology of others - and yourself. You'll become more honest, more effective, and a true team player.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A brilliant, amusing, and clear catalogue of the psychological theatricals that human beings play over and over again. -- Kurt Vonnegut

From the Inside Flap

Dr. Eric Berne, as the originator of transactional analysis, has attained recognition for developing one of the most innovative approaches to modern psychotherapy. Discover how many of these "secret games" you play everyday of your life: Iwfy (If it weren't for you); Sweetheart; Threadbare; Harried; Alcoholic, and many more. A groundbreaking book that bores deep into the heart of all our relationships, GAMES PEOPLE PLAY is a classic that should be read again and again. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books (December 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141040270
• ISBN-13: 978-0141040271
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This 1960s classic is a must-read, June 2, 2006

By 

Dick Margulis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I've referred hundreds of people to Eric Berne's classic over the decades since I first read it in 1968. In the age of narcissism and entitlement we're currently immersed in, this is the book that can give you perspective on all the dysfunctional relationships in your life, whether they are important (parents, children, spouse) or minor externalities (a lousy day waiting on customers).

If you sometimes think about your life and say to yourself "I just don't get why people treat me that way" or "I wish I knkew how to handle people like that," read this seminal book.

More on my <a href="http://ampersandvirgule.blogspot.com/2006/06/growing-up-is-hard-to-do.html">blog</a>.

Dick Margulis

5.0 out of 5 stars An Oldy, but a Goody!, January 29, 2012

By 

beowulf_ctb - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships (Hardcover)

This book is one of the Bibles of the Transactional Analysis school of social psychology/psychiatry. The other "Bible" is I'm OK -- You're OK by Thomas A. Harris, M.D.

Before reading Games People Play, it is a good idea to read I'm OK - You're OK. There are two reasons why. First, I'm OK is a general introduction to Transactional Analysis whereas Games People Play deals with a narrow aspect of the subject. Second, I'm OK is written in an easier style than the present book. In fact, if I hadn't already studied I'M OK, I might not have understood Games People Play.

The author of Games People Play was the founder of the TA school. The author of the other book was his follower. Transactional Analysis was popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, it has lost some of that popularity in America, although it still seems to be going strong in Australia. The society founded by Dr. Berne still exists in this country, today.

Before investing in a copy of the book, you might want to check Wikipedia which has an excellent article about Tranactional Analysis. Games, the subject of this book, are special behaviors that people use to accomplish ulterior designs. For example, the game called "If it Weren't for You I'd...." helps people feel better about NOT doing things they are really afraid to do.

I believe this book and the school of Transactional Analysis are worthwhile for everyone who wants to understand human nature.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent description, product and deliver, April 28, 2010

By 

C.B. Derrick (From the 2.20 Aspect Ratio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships (Hardcover)

Seller was spot-on with all the pertinent information to make this a better than expected purchase.