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A review by tombomp
Inconvenient People: Lunacy, Liberty and the Mad-Doctors in Victorian England by Sarah Wise
5.0
First, I want to emphasise that unfortunately this pays very little attention to the fate of poorer "lunatics" and pretty much nothing about the public asylum system in general. It focuses instead on a series of cases by richer people involved in the private system and their struggles to change it etc. As long as you're aware of those limitations though it's absolutely fascinating. Every story was incredibly readable and interesting.
One of the most fascinating stories is John Perceval, son of the PM Spencer Perceval, who wrote an account of his time in an asylum he was confined to after a breakdown possibly triggered by his involvement in the Irvingites, a Christian religious sect. After finally being released he founded the Alleged Lunatics' Friend Society, which agitated for reform of the lunacy law as well as advocating for those felt to be unlawfully or unfairly confined, a cause he dedicated the rest of his life too. The book gives a good account of his experiences and his ideas, promoting an idea of recovery based on a patient's internal life and understanding that still seems fresh today. He comes across as an impressive character, with an unusual blend of a highly aristocratic sense of hierarchy combined with strong sympathy and material support for those of the "lower orders" treated badly.
One of the most fascinating stories is John Perceval, son of the PM Spencer Perceval, who wrote an account of his time in an asylum he was confined to after a breakdown possibly triggered by his involvement in the Irvingites, a Christian religious sect. After finally being released he founded the Alleged Lunatics' Friend Society, which agitated for reform of the lunacy law as well as advocating for those felt to be unlawfully or unfairly confined, a cause he dedicated the rest of his life too. The book gives a good account of his experiences and his ideas, promoting an idea of recovery based on a patient's internal life and understanding that still seems fresh today. He comes across as an impressive character, with an unusual blend of a highly aristocratic sense of hierarchy combined with strong sympathy and material support for those of the "lower orders" treated badly.