My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum (eBook)

By a Sane Patient

Herman Charles Merivale (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
68 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654731581-0 (EAN)

Infos

In "My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum," Herman Charles Merivale presents a compelling firsthand account that explores the complexities of mental illness and the often troubling realities of institutional care in the 19th century. This work is characterized by its candid prose and rich narrative style, blending personal reflection with critical insights into the practices of the time. Merivale's observations are deeply influenced by the burgeoning field of psychology and the shifting perceptions of mental health, making his account not only poignant but also historically significant in understanding societal attitudes towards madness. Herman Charles Merivale, an English author and historian, developed an acute awareness of social issues through his varied career and scholarly pursuits. His experience in the asylum serves as a catalyst for deeper inquiry into the human condition, reflecting his empathy and commitment to shedding light on the lives of those marginalized by society. Merivale's extensive background in both history and literature informs this work, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the discourse regarding mental health during his era. For readers interested in the intersection of mental health, societal norms, and literature, Merivale's "My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum" offers a thought-provoking narrative that encourages reflection on the ethical responsibilities of care and the intricacies of human experience. This book is a must-read for those seeking to understand the historical context surrounding mental health and its portrayal in literature.

Autor

Herman Charles Merivale (1839-1906) was an English civil servant and miscellaneous writer, whose life took a dramatic and poignant turn with his experiences in mental health institutions. His work, 'My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum,' provides a harrowing, autobiographical account of his own mental health struggles and institutionalization. Merivale's writing style in this piece underscores the bleakness and despair of asylum life in the Victorian era, juxtaposing his personal anguish with sharp social critique. Demonstrating a nuanced, introspective approach to the often-misunderstood realm of mental illness, Merivale's narrative helped to usher in a more humane perspective on the treatment of mental health patients. Additionally, his legal background and his tenure in the Colonial Office, although less referenced than his literary work, informed his insights into the bureaucratic and systematic issues within institutions. Despite the singular reference provided, it is worth noting that the significance of Merivale's contributions to the literary canon and mental health discourse extends beyond the pages of his memoir, with its raw examination of mental health care and stigma in the 19th century.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 15.9.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Psychologie
• Themenwelt: Medizin / Pharmazie ► Medizinische Fachgebiete ► Psychiatrie / Psychotherapie
• Themenwelt: Recht / Steuern
• Schlagworte: 19th century asylum • 19th century lunatic asylums • 19th century medicine • asylum memoirs • autobiographical accounts law • British Literature • candid mental illness • Care • Critique of Psychiatry • depression memoir • Herman Charles Merivale • historical document analysis • historical legal system • Historical Psychiatry • Human psyche exploration • insanity • insanity defense literature • Insanity Treatment • institutional practices • Internal Medicine • Mental Health • mental health history • mental health legal issues • mental institution experiences • mentally ill • personal account • personal narrative memoir • psychiatric institutions history • Psychological Asylum • psychological insight journey • Victorian England • Victorian era mental illness • Victorian literary style