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A History of Delusions
The Glass King, a Substitute Husband and a Walking Corpse
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Check link for latest rating. ( 408 ratings, 58 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The extraordinary worlds created in our minds
The extraordinary worlds created in our minds
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Description
Fascinating and compassionate – Horatio Clare
The King of France, thinking he was made of glass, was terrified he might shatter... and he wasn’t alone.
After the Emperor met his end at Waterloo, an epidemic of Napoleons piled into France’s asylums.
Throughout the nineteenth century, dozens of middle-aged women tried to convince their physicians that they were, in fact, dead.
For centuries, we’ve dismissed delusions as something for doctors to sort out behind locked doors. But delusions are more than just bizarre quirks – they hold the key to collective anxieties and traumas.
In this groundbreaking history, Victoria Shepherd uncovers stories of delusions from medieval times to the present day and implores us to identify reason in apparent madness.
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?
Victoria Shepherd's A History of Delusions receives praise for its compassionate exploration of historical delusions, likened to the empathetic approach of Oliver Sacks. It's noted for its thought-provoking case studies that span centuries and locations, providing rich historical detail and compelling narratives. Reviewers appreciate Shepherd's ability to humanise her subjects, offering insights into the complexities of the human mind, while also presenting a blend of meticulous research and novelistic storytelling.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780861545308
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 June 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Oneworld Publications
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Victoria Shepherd conceived and produced the ten-part series A History of Delusions for BBC Radio 4. She has produced scores of documentaries and major strands for BBC Radio 4. She holds an MA in creative writing from the University of East Anglia.
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