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As this book's subtitle, “An Evaluation of Psychiatric Thought and Practice from Prehistoric Times to the Present,” indicates, it is an evaluation of psychiatric thought as well as a history. It is best considered in that light because it is the aspect of evaluation around which the book is organized, and it is in this aspect that I believe its most valuable contribution is made. Not only are the facts of the history of psychiatry stated, but they are given perspective and relevance by placing them, in so far as possible in a one-volume work, in relation to the flavor of their times, the state of medicine of the period, and to current psychiatric thought and practice. Also in keeping with the subtitle as well as the humane outlook of the authors, practice is given equal weight with thought. More effective treatment of disturbed individuals is the goal of theoretical speculation, and the understanding of this fundamental principal is implicit throughout the work. Examples of enlightened and kind treatment are particularly emphasized even when the understanding of the psychological forces at play within human beings was nil.
Stylistically the writing is lucid and straightforward. Even with the wealth of factual material packed into a single volume, the reading remains interesting throughout. The book will be found profitable to the layman as well as the professional. Structurally the sections are presented in chronological order, and three main aspects are followed from period to period. These are called the magical approach, the organic approach, and the psychological approach. When appropriate, such as with social psychiatry in the modern era, other aspects are presented. Some topics, as witch hunts and philosophy, which many may not consider germane to the field of psychiatry, are rightly included and their pertinence made clear.
The field of psychiatry is viewed broadly. “The story of psychiatry began,” the authors state, “when one man attempted to relieve another m