Women of The Asylum by Jefferey L Geller & Maxine Harris (Hardcover)

Condition: "Very good condition"

"Women of the Asylum: Voices from Behind the Walls, 1840-1945" by Jeffrey L. Geller and Maxine Harris is a non-fiction book that delves into the lives and experiences of women who were institutionalized in mental asylums in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The central theme of the book revolves around the history of mental health treatment, institutionalization, and the often harrowing conditions faced by women who were confined to asylums during this period. The authors draw from historical records, personal letters, diaries, and other primary sources to shed light on the voices and stories of these women who were often marginalized and forgotten by society.

The plot, if it can be called that, is not a traditional narrative but rather a collection of narratives and accounts of individual women who were institutionalized. The book highlights the harsh and sometimes inhumane conditions within asylums, the challenges faced by women in these institutions, and the efforts of reformers and advocates to improve mental health care.

Throughout the book, Geller and Harris explore the societal attitudes toward mental illness, gender, and the treatment of women during this era. They also examine the larger historical context, including changes in mental health practices and the impact of societal norms on the lives of women.

"Women of the Asylum" is a powerful and enlightening exploration of a neglected chapter in American history. It gives a voice to the women who were confined to mental asylums and offers readers a glimpse into the struggles they faced, as well as the broader issues surrounding mental health and gender during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Printed in the USA July, 1994

ISBN-10:

038547422-9

ISBN-13

9780385474221

Weight:

1.5 Pounds