This fascinating study presents a unique history of psychiatry in the twentieth century. It brings together the memories and narratives of over sixty patients and workers who lived, or were employed, in Severalls Psychiatric Hospital, Essex, UK. Personal accounts are contextualised both in relation to wider developments and issues in twentieth-century mental health, and in relation to policies and changes in the hospital itself.
Organised around the theme of space and place, and drawing upon both quantitative and qualitative material, chapters deal with key areas such as gender divisions,...

Drawing on personal, historical, sociological, psychoanalytic, literary and artistic sources, this compelling book explores the tensions and contradictions implicit in notions of children and childhood. It examines how children can at once represent innocence, beauty and hope, while at the same time are neglected, disenfranchised and abused. Wide-ranging and provocative, this exploration of what 'the child' means, and has meant, to adults, will appeal to students and professionals across many disciplines, as well as to the interested general reader.

Drawing on personal, historical, sociological, psychoanalytic, literary and artistic sources, this compelling book explores the tensions and contradictions implicit in notions of children and childhood. It examines how children can at once represent innocence, beauty and hope, while at the same time are neglected, disenfranchised and abused. Wide-ranging and provocative, this exploration of what 'the child' means, and has meant, to adults, will appeal to students and professionals across many disciplines, as well as to the interested general reader.