From Under the Cloud at Seven Steeples 1878 - 1885: The Perculiarly Saddened Life of Anna Agnew at the Indiana Hospital for the Insane

by Lucy J. King

from under the cloud at seven steeples 1878-1885 the peculiarly saddened life of anna agnew at indiana hospital for the insane by lucy jane king,m.d

175 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Frank Spencer]

There are several important characters here, Anna Agnew herself, the author of this book (Lucy Jane King), and the hospitals in which Anna Agnew spent time. Anna Agnew's book, published in 1887 (From Under the Cloud) is available free on Google Books. It is an early example of a person's description of their psychological problems and treatment. There are some good descriptions that show her state of mind and reactions to the changes in treatments and hospital personnel. In this (King's) book, there is a summary near the end of the changes in psychiatric treatments, which is straightforward and clear. The various support groups and legislative supports for people with psychological problems are described. The differences between how men and women fare in the system are described. All in all, these books are worth reading.

[Mallory]

I really enjoyed reading more about Anna Agnew and learning more about Seven Steeples. King pairs her researched information directly with Agnew's narrative. I loved that I was able to read more about the practice of psychiatry at the time and moral treatment. I will definitely be using this as a source for my project!

[Felicia_noel]

This was a very ineresting book. I recently finished my abnormal psych class and my prof recommended this book to help understand what its like for hose struggling with bi-polar disorder.
Even though Anna's story takes place in the late 1800's it is a very fascinating peice of history. (especially since it takes place here in my home state. :-)