Fools & Mad: A History of the insane in Ireland - Joseph Robbins

Faced with the strange, irrational behaviour of the insane person early society could see only the punishment of God or possession by some evil spirit. For centuries this view was used to justify the barbaric treatment of all who showed signs of mental abnormality. Ireland avoided the worst excesses of the rest of Europe due to its remoteness, and the unique system of Brehon laws which included some protection for the insane. This book explores psychiatric care up to the 1960s. It was published in 1986.

Dr Robbins' study will be of special interest to professionals and students in the field of psychiatric care but will also be read, with fascination, by everyone interested in social history.

This is a second-hand book in very good condition. There is some sun-bleaching to the dust-cover.