Description

This book is unique because it is the first English translation.
This book is unique because it contains original annotations.

It is a little gem from the history of psychiatry and has quaint illustrations in it by Rouquayrol. I have written an introduction putting the book into context and footnotes explaining some French references.
Previously unpublished in English. Minutely Observed. Written in an ironic, engaging style. A quirky book on a serious subject - the treatment of madness. Not without relevance to current practice (we still have large numbers of mentally ill people in prisons, patients in mental hospitals are still restrained or isolated, society still attaches stigma to mental illness).
Londres was a popular writer in his time, credited with the invention of 'investigative' journalism.
To produce the book he gained access to a variety of asylums, clinics and "madhouses" and was able to speak with both staff and inmates. Much of what he observes is both poignant and shocking. I have translated the title as With the Mad, because it indicates that Londres was both among the mad and "on their side". The book is well observed and paints a convincing picture of "madness" and the state of mental health care at the time. It was an exposé and wake up call to the French authorities.