Madness: A Biography

This is an innovative, interesting book offering the reader an overview of a variety of ‘common’ (that is often diagnosed) mental illnesses, contextualising each through a historical lens and using well known people to bring to the fore the impact of such illness on a person’s life. Clever use is made of people referred to in the book, rather than focusing on one specific person, Paul offers the reader short vignettes of a number of people from previous historical periods to 21st century figures to demonstrate the socio-political nature of a given illness and its treatment over time. This book is a powerful and fascinating read for anyone interested in psychiatry, prompting the reader to give critical thought to the wider context of mental illness and the impact it has on the lives of those who experience it. * Dr Sue McAndrew, Professor of Mental Health and Young People, University of Salford *