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Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth Century Mental Health Care
Have you ever wondered what life was like for the thousands of ordinary people who experienced Victorian mental health care? Life in the Victorian Asylum is the story of those ordinary people. It details their daily routine, the treatments they were offered and the rules to which they had to conform.
Immerse yourself in the period detail of ward life. Meet the staff and other patients. Seek a diagnosis for your illness. Tour the hospital and take part in the activities on offer.
In Life in the Victorian Asylum , Mark Stevens reconstructs the lost world of the nineteenth century public asylums. Why were they built? Who were they for? And what is the legacy of these remarkable institutions? You may be surprised at what you discover.
Mark Stevens, the best-selling author of Broadmoor Revealed , is a professional archivist and expert on asylum records. In this book, he delves into Victorian mental health archives to recreate the experience of entering an asylum and being treated there, perhaps for a lifetime.
Immerse yourself in the period detail of ward life. Meet the staff and other patients. Seek a diagnosis for your illness. Tour the hospital and take part in the activities on offer.
In Life in the Victorian Asylum , Mark Stevens reconstructs the lost world of the nineteenth century public asylums. Why were they built? Who were they for? And what is the legacy of these remarkable institutions? You may be surprised at what you discover.
Mark Stevens, the best-selling author of Broadmoor Revealed , is a professional archivist and expert on asylum records. In this book, he delves into Victorian mental health archives to recreate the experience of entering an asylum and being treated there, perhaps for a lifetime.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2014
151 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Mark Stevens
2 books3 followersI'm an archivist who writes history books about mental health.
My first book, Broadmoor Revealed, is an introduction to the Victorian hospital and some of its patients.
My second book is called Life in the Victorian Asylum. It provides an immersive experience in the day-to-day world of Victorian public asylums, including Broadmoor.
My first book, Broadmoor Revealed, is an introduction to the Victorian hospital and some of its patients.
My second book is called Life in the Victorian Asylum. It provides an immersive experience in the day-to-day world of Victorian public asylums, including Broadmoor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 4, 2020
4 "elegant, accessible, smooth" stars !!
Thank you to Netgalley, Pen and Sword History and the author for an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review. This book was first published in 2014 and re-released July 2020.
Mr. Stevens is an archivist by profession and has written an excellent social history of a Victorian asylum in England. The name was Moulsford Asylum with some secondary information from nearby Broadmoor Asylum. Many people have a skewed understanding of the history of the care of the severely mentally ill and think of Bedlam in London with crowded, cruel and archaic treatments. This book lays some of these myths to rest and takes us through how the poor mentally ill could receive very good care in comfortable surrounding with compassionate staff through the moral treatment or the use of work and leisure to help those afflicted with severe conditions.
Mr. Stevens acknowledges that the care was paternalistic but in many ways it seems superior to the release of many severely ill into homeless shelters and prison that often happen today.
Mr. Stevens writes elegantly, accessibly and imparts a great deal of information about political history, social history, architecture, early psychiatry and interpersonal relations. Initially he writes as if it were a patient handbook although the depth of information make it more akin to an employee's handbook. He then goes on to describe larger social forces and gives a few brief case histories.
All in all, I found this to be a most informative and measured read. Thank you Mr. Stevens !
Thank you to Netgalley, Pen and Sword History and the author for an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review. This book was first published in 2014 and re-released July 2020.
Mr. Stevens is an archivist by profession and has written an excellent social history of a Victorian asylum in England. The name was Moulsford Asylum with some secondary information from nearby Broadmoor Asylum. Many people have a skewed understanding of the history of the care of the severely mentally ill and think of Bedlam in London with crowded, cruel and archaic treatments. This book lays some of these myths to rest and takes us through how the poor mentally ill could receive very good care in comfortable surrounding with compassionate staff through the moral treatment or the use of work and leisure to help those afflicted with severe conditions.
Mr. Stevens acknowledges that the care was paternalistic but in many ways it seems superior to the release of many severely ill into homeless shelters and prison that often happen today.
Mr. Stevens writes elegantly, accessibly and imparts a great deal of information about political history, social history, architecture, early psychiatry and interpersonal relations. Initially he writes as if it were a patient handbook although the depth of information make it more akin to an employee's handbook. He then goes on to describe larger social forces and gives a few brief case histories.
All in all, I found this to be a most informative and measured read. Thank you Mr. Stevens !
May 26, 2019
I have to admit, I've always had a kind of morbid fascination with mental asylums. I find the subject of mental health riveting, so this book suited my tastes rather adequately. The first half of this book was laid out in the form of a patient manual, as if you, yourself, were being admitted to a victorian asylum. This part, although it took a chapter or so to get into, was really very informative.
In the second half of the book we find out about some of the staff that actually worked at these asylums, some of which, were actually admitted later on in life. Nearing the end of the book are some case studies of actual patients. These were so interesting, and to be honest, I really wanted to read more of these!
In the second half of the book we find out about some of the staff that actually worked at these asylums, some of which, were actually admitted later on in life. Nearing the end of the book are some case studies of actual patients. These were so interesting, and to be honest, I really wanted to read more of these!
May 5, 2020
This is a fascinating look into how mental health care was in the Victorian era. The first half is laid out as a manual as if you were the incoming patient. I enjoyed reading the information but didn't like the format. The manual personal style of writing didn't work for me. The second half is about staffing of the time and some case studies and that I enjoyed much more.
It challenged a few of my perceptions. I've read a lot of negative stories and some of them I think were more historical accounts of any period rather than Victorian. If you have an interest in mental health or history this is a good book to pick up
It challenged a few of my perceptions. I've read a lot of negative stories and some of them I think were more historical accounts of any period rather than Victorian. If you have an interest in mental health or history this is a good book to pick up
August 24, 2020
What a fascinating quick read! It was written like a manual for new patients into the insane asylum in the first half and then gave facts about victorian insane asylums in the 2nd half. Very well researched and the writing drew you in and kept you enthralled. Nice little historical book.
August 17, 2020
Thank you to the author, Pen & Sword Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
January 2, 2018
A very useful book about one asylum in Victorian England. Engagingly-written.
July 30, 2020
Thank you to the author, Pen & Sword Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
July 14, 2018
This book is a nice introduction to the organisation of, and day-to-day life in, a late Victorian lunatic asylum. The first part of the book (which is most of the book) is written as if it’s a guide to asylum life for the new patient - it makes it a little easier to read, but does mean that this book isn’t suitable if you already have a working knowledge of how the asylums were run.
The authors clearly loves his subject - he has also written a book on Broadmoor - and his enthusiasm for it comes across on every page. Recommended as an easy-reading introduction to the subject.
The authors clearly loves his subject - he has also written a book on Broadmoor - and his enthusiasm for it comes across on every page. Recommended as an easy-reading introduction to the subject.
January 30, 2022
This is a sobering look at Victorian Asylums. I liked the style of the beginning, where it is written as though you are an incoming patient and the book is your manual. It's a stark reminder that mental illness has always been handled in the wrong ways, and while we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
June 19, 2020
...
This was a very interesting read that shows we have a wrong image of the Victorian asylums. Especially in the second half of the 19th century they were actually great institutions, and in some ways provided better care than the current system does. Although backwards in some of their ideas (especially regarding sexism), they were surprisingly modern and humane, and accomplished a lot with the few means they had (both financial and in ways of medical knowledge/treatments).
The book is written in two parts, the first and largest written as if the reader is about to enter the asylum and contains all you might want to know regarding the building, illnesses, staff, acceptance and discharge, treatment, daily routine, etc etc etc. Sometimes this went into a bit too much detail for my personal interest (I don't really need to know the particular flushing systems used in the toilets for example), but overall it is very interesting. The second part contains everything else, such as more history on the specific asylum where information was gathered by the author, what happened to the asylums up till now, and a few specific patients were discussed. I really wish this last bit had been longer, because to me this was the most interesting part that really pulled everything together and brought it all to live. I do understand though that it didn't quite fit in with the topic aimed for in the book.
Overall I thought this was a very accessible and interesting read, which served as quite an eyeopener and a great base to reflect the various portrayals of asylums in fiction against.
3.5*
This was a very interesting read that shows we have a wrong image of the Victorian asylums. Especially in the second half of the 19th century they were actually great institutions, and in some ways provided better care than the current system does. Although backwards in some of their ideas (especially regarding sexism), they were surprisingly modern and humane, and accomplished a lot with the few means they had (both financial and in ways of medical knowledge/treatments).
The book is written in two parts, the first and largest written as if the reader is about to enter the asylum and contains all you might want to know regarding the building, illnesses, staff, acceptance and discharge, treatment, daily routine, etc etc etc. Sometimes this went into a bit too much detail for my personal interest (I don't really need to know the particular flushing systems used in the toilets for example), but overall it is very interesting. The second part contains everything else, such as more history on the specific asylum where information was gathered by the author, what happened to the asylums up till now, and a few specific patients were discussed. I really wish this last bit had been longer, because to me this was the most interesting part that really pulled everything together and brought it all to live. I do understand though that it didn't quite fit in with the topic aimed for in the book.
Overall I thought this was a very accessible and interesting read, which served as quite an eyeopener and a great base to reflect the various portrayals of asylums in fiction against.
3.5*
October 15, 2018
This challenged some of my perceptions of what life was like in an asylum in the Victorian era. Although some of the treatment of inmates was harsh, asylums were set up to try to treat, rather than punish, mental illness - the people admitted were to be treated as patients rather than inmates and the intention was to fix the and send them home. Of course, this only happened in a small percentage of cases but asylums were definitely an improvement on prisons or workhouses which is where people used to end up as a matter of course before the formation of the County Asylums Act 1808.
The book is written in two sections - the first is written in the form of an instruction manual that might be issued to a newly-arrived patient and details what they can expect from their stay. The second part looks at the different types of illness and the treatments available.
The book is written sympathetically with real cases taken from the records from Broadmoor and Moulsford Asylums and I found it to be very interesting. His previous book Broadmoor Revealed is also a great read. I hope Mark Stevens writes more.
The book is written in two sections - the first is written in the form of an instruction manual that might be issued to a newly-arrived patient and details what they can expect from their stay. The second part looks at the different types of illness and the treatments available.
The book is written sympathetically with real cases taken from the records from Broadmoor and Moulsford Asylums and I found it to be very interesting. His previous book Broadmoor Revealed is also a great read. I hope Mark Stevens writes more.
December 2, 2019
Fascinating book, a real insight into some aspects that are not normally discussed.
October 17, 2020
I have seen two different, though very similar covers for this book, I actually prefer the green cover with the kind of ripped paper format, the imposing building that is the asylum, set back away from any other buildings nearby.
I attempted to read this book, not getting beyond 14% as I found the book rather long winded for my taste. It came across like the author was trying to put forward the positive points on how the asylums and treatment were improved. Things were described in such minute detail. There definitely felt like this book was coming from a “positive slant” in favour of asylums. It was almost “holiday brochure” like as if it was trying to encourage people to go there.
Sadly, after trying to read the book again from the beginning, a month or so later and once again failing to be grasped by it, though reading a little further than the original 14% I decided it was time to “DNF” it. It’s not that often I don’t finish a book but unfortunately it was the case with this one. I have read other non-fiction, history books and been enthralled by the daily living of those featured within them as well as their surroundings and lives but just did not “click” at all with this one. Which is a shame as from the blurb I had honestly expected to find it informative and highly interesting.
To sum up, basically this one was just not for me. There was so much description, lines and lines in places, where perhaps just one or two lines would have sufficed.
I attempted to read this book, not getting beyond 14% as I found the book rather long winded for my taste. It came across like the author was trying to put forward the positive points on how the asylums and treatment were improved. Things were described in such minute detail. There definitely felt like this book was coming from a “positive slant” in favour of asylums. It was almost “holiday brochure” like as if it was trying to encourage people to go there.
Sadly, after trying to read the book again from the beginning, a month or so later and once again failing to be grasped by it, though reading a little further than the original 14% I decided it was time to “DNF” it. It’s not that often I don’t finish a book but unfortunately it was the case with this one. I have read other non-fiction, history books and been enthralled by the daily living of those featured within them as well as their surroundings and lives but just did not “click” at all with this one. Which is a shame as from the blurb I had honestly expected to find it informative and highly interesting.
To sum up, basically this one was just not for me. There was so much description, lines and lines in places, where perhaps just one or two lines would have sufficed.
July 8, 2020
This history of two Victorian Asylums (Moulsford and Broadmoor) was extremely well-written, well-researched, and very engaging. I found it very readable. I really liked the structure. It was written in two parts: part one was written as a patients handbook with a Victorian tone and perspective; part two was the patient's experience as seen with a 21st century perspective. I really like the stories of a few of the patients given at the end of the book.
"Those who suffer from mental illness are only people just like all of us. We treat them no differently to anyone else. We respect them, we value them, and we join with them. We spent the past together and we go forward together." (pg. 170)
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for sending me a copy for review.
"Those who suffer from mental illness are only people just like all of us. We treat them no differently to anyone else. We respect them, we value them, and we join with them. We spent the past together and we go forward together." (pg. 170)
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for sending me a copy for review.
January 12, 2019
Very interesting read and a quick one. I have always had a bit of a macabre fascination with mental asylums so find books on the subject very interesting.
I particularly enjoyed the four or five case studies at the back of the book and wished that there were more of these. The first part of the book took a bit to get used to but as soon as you got into your head it was a patient manual so to speak it became easier to understand. The book really didn’t kick off until the second part when it started to describe the actual asylums and the staff who worked there. Fab book if you have a background or interest in Mental Health, architecture or even just history and domestic history.
I particularly enjoyed the four or five case studies at the back of the book and wished that there were more of these. The first part of the book took a bit to get used to but as soon as you got into your head it was a patient manual so to speak it became easier to understand. The book really didn’t kick off until the second part when it started to describe the actual asylums and the staff who worked there. Fab book if you have a background or interest in Mental Health, architecture or even just history and domestic history.
August 10, 2022
A fascinating way to approach the subject. Great to read. I really enjoyed this more than Broadmoor.
Like the author I live near Fairmile and as a result have had friends and family who were staff or sadly patients.
My Gran was a nurse there and as a child I used to play with her paper nurse’s hat and look with horror at teeth marks and bruises on her arms and legs from patients.
Locally it and it’s social club was infamous and there are hundreds of stories. Particularly ghosts.
Would I live in it now it’s a block of flats? Not if you paid me!!!!!
Like the author I live near Fairmile and as a result have had friends and family who were staff or sadly patients.
My Gran was a nurse there and as a child I used to play with her paper nurse’s hat and look with horror at teeth marks and bruises on her arms and legs from patients.
Locally it and it’s social club was infamous and there are hundreds of stories. Particularly ghosts.
Would I live in it now it’s a block of flats? Not if you paid me!!!!!
December 2, 2015
Informative and interesting read in parts. Some parts of the book reminded me of my current job, as I work in a dementia care home. However, I became a little confused at times as to whether the book was aimed towards asylum employees or residents as it seemed to jump between the two.
I got halfway and got bored with it. I tried to pursue it but I have just lost interest.
I got halfway and got bored with it. I tried to pursue it but I have just lost interest.
December 8, 2017
I really wanted to like this!! But I just couldn’t.
So much of the information for me was not needed and a lot was quite boring.
I found myself skipping pages/chapters. Just not for me I’m afraid.
So much of the information for me was not needed and a lot was quite boring.
I found myself skipping pages/chapters. Just not for me I’m afraid.
June 9, 2015
An excellent look at mental health care during the Victorian period, very easy to read. Highly recommended, especially for those with an interest in medical history or Victoriana.
November 17, 2016
Very interesting
Loved the angle of selling the asylum as some kind of estate agent description. Very clever. Really enjoyed the book. A real eye opener.
Loved the angle of selling the asylum as some kind of estate agent description. Very clever. Really enjoyed the book. A real eye opener.
March 30, 2019
Not a great read
I didn't really enjoy this book. It was like an information leaflet for the Walt Disney version of lunatic asylums when we all know the cruelty these people endured
I didn't really enjoy this book. It was like an information leaflet for the Walt Disney version of lunatic asylums when we all know the cruelty these people endured
May 24, 2020
Instead of highlighting the experiences of real patients of Victorian asylums, this book places the reader inside of such an institution, based on a couple of real-life examples. The first part of the book, which runs for the first three quarters, is written in the second person. It is intended to serve as a welcome package for someone admitted to an asylum. The book proceeds by providing the reader with information about the layout and administration of the asylum in painstaking detail, with a few examples of actual patients strewn throughout.
While the structure of the novel was intended to place the reader inside the asylum to help one understand how it felt, what it accomplished was removing all of the individuals who experienced life in Victorian asylums. Furthermore, the book was intended as a defense of Victorian asylums, characterizing their existence as misplaced compassion. However, this central thesis existed at odds with the few examples provided of the horrific experiences of various individuals, including children with disabilities who were sent away to live in sterile environments, and the contemplation of sterilisation to prevent mental illness. Furthermore, the examples provided in this volume were drawn from two of the best cases of asylums in Victorian England, which certainly provided better conditions for their patients than the scores of asylums not mentioned. In fact, the Bedlam asylum is often used as a foil to the constructed asylum in the first part of the book, underlining the point that this book did not provide information on what typical Victorian asylum life was really like.
While the structure of the novel was intended to place the reader inside the asylum to help one understand how it felt, what it accomplished was removing all of the individuals who experienced life in Victorian asylums. Furthermore, the book was intended as a defense of Victorian asylums, characterizing their existence as misplaced compassion. However, this central thesis existed at odds with the few examples provided of the horrific experiences of various individuals, including children with disabilities who were sent away to live in sterile environments, and the contemplation of sterilisation to prevent mental illness. Furthermore, the examples provided in this volume were drawn from two of the best cases of asylums in Victorian England, which certainly provided better conditions for their patients than the scores of asylums not mentioned. In fact, the Bedlam asylum is often used as a foil to the constructed asylum in the first part of the book, underlining the point that this book did not provide information on what typical Victorian asylum life was really like.
July 14, 2020
If you are expecting a scholarly account of how the Victorians handled mental health care then I'm afraid this book is going to disappoint. Its more of a Ladybird book in a series 'Life in a...'.
The books main section is set out like a lengthy pamphlet you might get in hospital today - guidance for the patient. It talks of their mission statement, which is a ludicrous anachronism; it advises you what will happen at each stage and how your care will be handled. Apart from the fact that anyone being sectioned into a mental institution was hardly likely to be in a frame of mind to read this, if indeed they could read, the whole thing is simplistic and nonsensical.
The asylum being described is fictional - a mixture of Broadmoor and Moulsford Asylums in Berkshire. There are a few case histories briefly alluded to - more for the shock factor than for enlightenment.
It is a shame, as beneath the unfortunate choice of style there is some solid research, and the reader is given a flavour of what life in an asylum was like, although it all sounds such a utopia I am surprised the local poor weren't queuing at the door. The book presents an idealistic establishment and one suspects the reality, given that the staff are after all only human and dealing with very difficult situations, was probably often very different.
The final chapters bring the reader up to date and explain why the author chose the establishments he did on which to base his fictional asylum. There are no references or footnotes and the bibliography is very sparing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The books main section is set out like a lengthy pamphlet you might get in hospital today - guidance for the patient. It talks of their mission statement, which is a ludicrous anachronism; it advises you what will happen at each stage and how your care will be handled. Apart from the fact that anyone being sectioned into a mental institution was hardly likely to be in a frame of mind to read this, if indeed they could read, the whole thing is simplistic and nonsensical.
The asylum being described is fictional - a mixture of Broadmoor and Moulsford Asylums in Berkshire. There are a few case histories briefly alluded to - more for the shock factor than for enlightenment.
It is a shame, as beneath the unfortunate choice of style there is some solid research, and the reader is given a flavour of what life in an asylum was like, although it all sounds such a utopia I am surprised the local poor weren't queuing at the door. The book presents an idealistic establishment and one suspects the reality, given that the staff are after all only human and dealing with very difficult situations, was probably often very different.
The final chapters bring the reader up to date and explain why the author chose the establishments he did on which to base his fictional asylum. There are no references or footnotes and the bibliography is very sparing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2020
The author presents his facts in a highly original format, addressing the reader/prospective mental patient from the perspective of a Victorian asylum, clearly outlining the raison d’être, management and day-to-day realities of such a place. It reads very much like an extensive manual or a welcome brochure. As we get our information from the 19th century perspective, what I missed a little was the comparison or addition of contemporary insights regarding certain topics. On the whole though, I thought it was very enlightening, and I was struck by the benevolent and earnest principles that lay at the heart of the care for mental health patients in (mostly the latter half of) the 19th century, which the author took great pains to illustrate. It was very different, of course, both from a medical and societal point of view, than it is today but it appears that they did have their patients best interests in mind whereas I had expected a much grimmer and uncaring outlook, perhaps more in line with the negligence and abuse the so-called “lunatics” faced before the reforms in the Victorian era, something more in line with the nightmarish images conjured by the infamous Bedlam. Roughly 80% of the book is written this way, and then there’s a part 2 in which we get some more concrete details about the people that lived and worked in either Moulsford or Broadmoor, the asylums the author uses as a basis for his book. I had hoped for more of that type of thing because I like to link historical events to actual people and learn how it impacted their lives, still it was a fascinating and informative read. Absolutely recommend this.
May 22, 2020
Life in the Victorian Asylum by Mark Stevens
Genre: History, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publish Date: 30 July 2020
Star Rating 3.5/5
Do you want to know what it's like to live in a Victorian Asylum? Then this book is for you!
Stevens has made an amazing and highly researched work that entertains and lets us know just what it was like. The book is split into two parts. The first reads as a brochure for the Victorian Asylum. We are taken on a journey of how we will be assessed if you need to go to an institution, how and whom we will meet on our way on entering the Asylum, activities, accommodation, treatments, etc. all with the reassurances that they are here to help and all procedures are in-line with the Lunacy Act. I felt like I was browsing a broacher for a camping holiday. It's a unique way to present the information and kudos to the author. The second part deals with looking at actual asylums and experiences from contemporary staff and patients.
I liked the book and its quirky format but I found it difficult to connect personally with the book. I'm not sure why, as it seems like the type of book I would not be able to put down which is why I've rated it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Pen and Sword, for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: History, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publish Date: 30 July 2020
Star Rating 3.5/5
Do you want to know what it's like to live in a Victorian Asylum? Then this book is for you!
Stevens has made an amazing and highly researched work that entertains and lets us know just what it was like. The book is split into two parts. The first reads as a brochure for the Victorian Asylum. We are taken on a journey of how we will be assessed if you need to go to an institution, how and whom we will meet on our way on entering the Asylum, activities, accommodation, treatments, etc. all with the reassurances that they are here to help and all procedures are in-line with the Lunacy Act. I felt like I was browsing a broacher for a camping holiday. It's a unique way to present the information and kudos to the author. The second part deals with looking at actual asylums and experiences from contemporary staff and patients.
I liked the book and its quirky format but I found it difficult to connect personally with the book. I'm not sure why, as it seems like the type of book I would not be able to put down which is why I've rated it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Pen and Sword, for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2020
While this book's subject matter is of great interest to me, I found fault with many of the author's stylistic choices and attitude toward the mentally ill. The first section, which takes up about two-thirds of the book, is written in the second person as an introduction to what you could expect of a Victorian asylum if you yourself were committed. For one thing, I was more interested in a clear historical analysis than reading about a hypothetical asylum. The second section, although brief, is repetitive, providing an explanation for what the family and friends of the institutionalized could expect, and I quickly found myself skimming this chapter. It simply reiterates information that was in the first section without offering further analysis. The third section finally offers some historical perspective, but my patience quickly ran out when I saw that terms like "lunatic" were consistently used. Mind you, this was in the section where the author finally discusses the history of asylums in relation to present-day mental health care. I understand using certain terminology when referring to the vocabulary of the time, but using it as a term to refer to the mentally ill in contemporary times is incredibly disrespectful and inaccurate, to say the least. Did not finish and would not recommend.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
‘What we offer in return for your co-operation is the very latest in lunatic healthcare.’
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be in a Victorian asylum? The first part of this book is set out as a patient manual: what you need to know if you were being admitted. Highly informative: there’s information about accommodation, diagnosis, staff, the daily routine and treatment.
‘You may find it so comforting that you never leave.’
Part two includes a history of Victorian asylums, and the author writes that he used a small asylum (the Moulsford Asylum in Berkshire) as the model for ’the workings of a public asylum as it operated during the last three decades of Queen Victoria’s life.’
Part two also includes some brief pen portraits of some of the patients admitted to Moulsford, and a note about how Broadmoor (the UK’s criminal asylum) differs.
If you are interested in the history of asylums and the treatment of mental illness in the nineteenth century, you may find this book as interesting as I did. In some ways (and for some cases) nineteenth century treatment was much more enlightened than I expected. This is a republication of a book first published in 2014.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Pen and Sword for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be in a Victorian asylum? The first part of this book is set out as a patient manual: what you need to know if you were being admitted. Highly informative: there’s information about accommodation, diagnosis, staff, the daily routine and treatment.
‘You may find it so comforting that you never leave.’
Part two includes a history of Victorian asylums, and the author writes that he used a small asylum (the Moulsford Asylum in Berkshire) as the model for ’the workings of a public asylum as it operated during the last three decades of Queen Victoria’s life.’
Part two also includes some brief pen portraits of some of the patients admitted to Moulsford, and a note about how Broadmoor (the UK’s criminal asylum) differs.
If you are interested in the history of asylums and the treatment of mental illness in the nineteenth century, you may find this book as interesting as I did. In some ways (and for some cases) nineteenth century treatment was much more enlightened than I expected. This is a republication of a book first published in 2014.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Pen and Sword for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 17, 2020
This was a really well-researched and good book on the history of mental facilities in the Victorian era, especially after 1845. I learned a lot as I had this idea of mental health facilities at that time being dusty buildings where patients were locked in their rooms, barely fed and physically abused... This book goes into detail about how structured these facilities actually were, with emphasis on cleanliness, treating the patients well, encouraging industry (gardening, cleaning...), fresh air... The first part of the book takes the form of a manual for new patients, and I didn't like the format as much, I would have preferred it to be one chapter only rather than most of the book. The second part explains some details about things previously mentioned in that part - which at times make it sound all rosy and great, when the second part does clarify that patients in fact did not have many avenues to share concerns or feedback about the care they received; that physical abuse was in theory forbidden, but a patient complaining about it was unlikely to be heard. It also goes into more details about a few patients, and people working in these facilities - which was really interesting. I would have loved to know more about that.
(Free copy from NetGalley)
(Free copy from NetGalley)
May 25, 2020
I have always been fascinated by what some consider the macabre. As soon as I saw the words Victorian asylum, I was intrigued. However this was nothing like I was expecting. Not in a bad way, mind you. I was pleasantly surprised. The first part of the book reads like a handbook on what to expect when you are admitted to the asylum. I enjoyed the format and felt as if one of the staff were personally touring me around the place and pointing out all the little details that I would have missed on my own. There were a lot of facts that surprised me as I read all about what my stay at the asylum would consist of. I also enjoyed the patient examples that Stevens peppered throughout the book. The writing was clear and concise and true to the time period. I feel like I know so much more about the time period and the perceptions of those admitted during those days. If you are interested in a realistic view of Victorian Asylums, then this book is for you. Happy reading!
July 3, 2020
It was a bit of a surprise to start reading this book and basically find myself being led by the hand as though I was actually being admitted to an asylum. It's a really nice touch, making the reality of asylum life in Victorian times far more tangible. No one is denying that abuses happened, but this book focuses on the intentions of asylums, which is a refreshing angle to look at things from. Mental health is something largely ignored until something "goes wrong" today, it seems until it becomes a matter of life or death. We wouldn't do too badly to incorporate some of the Victorians' thinking into modern day mental health services. "Life in the Victorian Asylum" is thought-provoking and fascinating.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
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