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Madness in Civilization

A Cultural History of Insanity from the Bible to Freud, from the Madhouse to Modern Medicine
By Andrew Scull
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Madness in Civilization by Andrew Scull explores the history of mental illness from ancient times to the modern era. The book delves into how societies have perceived and treated mental disorders over the centuries, looking at cultural and medical approaches. Scull examines the evolving understanding and the societal impact of mental illness, offering a comprehensive look at how civilisation's interaction with madness has shifted over time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This insightful exploration of how perceptions of mental illness have evolved through time might appeal to you if you're intrigued by the intersection of history, culture, and psychiatry. The book provides a fascinating look at how different societies have understood and treated mental disorders, offering a broad range of anecdotes and analysis for those curious about the societal impacts on mental health practices.

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‘A brilliant cultural history … Scull’s book fills a gap in the literature and deserves to be widely read … outstanding’ The Times

'A brilliant cultural history ... Scull's book fills a gap in the literature and deserves to be widely read ... outstanding' The Times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This ambitious volume, worldwide in scope and ranging from antiquity to the present, examines the human encounter with Unreason in all its manifestations, the challenges it poses to society, and our responses to it.

In twelve chapters organised chronologically from the Bible to Freud, from exorcism to mesmerism, from Bedlam to Victorian asylums, from the theory of humours to modern pharmacology, Andrew Scull writes compellingly about madness, its meanings, its consequences, and our attempts to understand and treat it.

Madness in Civilization offers a comprehensive exploration of how madness has been perceived throughout history and the various ways societies have attempted to address it.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Andrew Scull's Madness in Civilization is hailed as a comprehensive and powerful exploration of the history of psychiatry, offering an extensive and balanced account of madness throughout history. Critics praise its scholarly depth, humane perspective, and its ability to cover a vast and complex subject with wit and insight. It's considered a milestone in understanding the shifting presence of madness in society.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500295632

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 January 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 84 Illustrations, black and white; 44 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 420g

Pages: 448

Collections

Andrew Scull Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction

About the Author

Andrew Scull is Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Science Studies, University of California, San Diego. He is the author of many books, including Masters of Bedlam; Madhouse: A Tragic Tale of Megalomania and Modern Medicine; and Madness: A Very Short Introduction.

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