The Idea of Epilepsy

A Medical and Social History of Epilepsy in the Modern Era (1860–2020)

Simon D Shorvon author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:2nd Feb '23

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The Idea of Epilepsy cover

The definitive and scholarly history of the modern era of epilepsy, covering its medical, scientific, societal and personal aspects.

This is a definitive and scholarly history of epilepsy in its modern era, between 1860 and 2020. It covers not only the medical aspects of the condition, but also its scientific, societal and personal themes. It is of interest to a broad readership, both medical and non-medical.Epilepsy has a fascinating history. To the medical historian Oswei Temkin it was 'the paradigm of the suffering of both body and soul in disease'. It is justifiably considered a window on brain function. And yet its story is more than simply a medical narrative, but one influenced also by scientific, societal and personal themes. Written for a medical and non-medical readership, this book describes the major developments in epilepsy between 1860–2020, a turbulent era in which science dominated as an explanatory model, medical theories and practices steered an erratic course, and societal attitudes and approaches to epilepsy fluctuated dramatically. In the middle of this maelstrom was the person with epilepsy at the mercy of social attitudes and legislation, and at times harmed as well as helped by medicine and science. So entangled is the history that intriguingly, as an entity, epilepsy may now be thought not even to exist.

'We can only be grateful for this great work...a masterpiece.' Jürg Kesselring, Swiss Archives of Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
'… a beautiful study book, perfect to work with on a desk; however, it is much more than a study book, it is a book to be read and read again.' Walter van Emde Boas, Brain Review
'… a marvellous achievement that is enough to ensure this exceptional work a prominent place in any epilepsy library.' Peter Wolf, Epilepsia Open
'a 'magnum opus' … its over 600 pages are packed with a compelling account of the interaction of scientific, medical and societal approaches to epilepsy and how these were reflected in the perspectives of people living with epilepsy.' Markus Reuber, Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy
'… a rich source of interesting aspects of the history of epilepsy in the past 160 years.' Peter Koehler, World Neurology
'Shorvon addresses the changing concepts of epilepsy in the second section of the book, which provides a fascinating and detailed chronological narrative.' Francesco Brigo, Journal of The History of the Neurosciences
'There is no doubt that this volume is something that any epilepsy specialist should have on their shelves. It will represent a starting point for subsequent historical books on the subject and it may influence future discussion about the concept and 'idea' of epilepsy.' Marco Mula, Epilepsy & Behavior
'In a word, splendid. … astoundingly clear, erudite, and fascinating. … Simply put, I could not put it down.' Phillip Pearl, Epigraph
'This book is a resource that belongs in every library. …The Idea of Epilepsy is suitable not only for epileptologists and neurologists but also for anyone with an interest in the history of medicine.' Gunter Kraemer, The Lancet Neurology

ISBN: 9781108842617

Dimensions: 260mm x 185mm x 42mm

Weight: 1690g

760 pages