Mystical Bedlam

Discover the intriguing world of early seventeenth-century England in Mystical Bedlam by Michael MacDonald, published by Cambridge University Press in 1983. This captivating book delves into the social history of insanity through a thorough examination of the records of Richard Napier, a clergyman and astrological physician. Napier treated over 2,000 mentally disturbed patients between 1597 and 1634, offering a unique perspective on the treatment of mental health during this period. With 344 pages of insightful analysis, Mystical Bedlam is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of medicine and the evolution of mental health care. Uncover the complexities of societal attitudes towards madness and the pioneering efforts of those who sought to provide care in a time of uncertainty.