The Faber Book of Madness - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0571143881 ISBN 13: 9780571143887

Publisher: Faber and Faber, 2003

Synopsis

Madness evades definition, divides opinion and frightens and touches us all. In his classic anthology, the late Roy Porter compiled a brilliant and comprehensive selection of writings - from George III to Nijinsky, Shakespeare to Poe, John Clare to Robert Schumann, and Nietszche to Artaud - to offer a unique entrée and guide to this most mysterious of worlds. 'The mythology of madness, and the vast literature it has generated, remain as potent as ever . . . A superb and shrewdly edited anthology.' J. G. Ballard

About this title

Synopsis:

Madness evades definition, divides opinion and frightens and touches us all. This volume of writings reveals, in their own words, the experiences of those that have been declared "mad" by themselves, their doctors or their families, together with observations by those intimately involved with madness. Roy Porter has collected the writings and utterances of "mad" people both celebrated and unknown. Included are figures such as John Clare, Robert Schumann, Nietzche and Artaud, and those known only for their madness like Daniel Schreber who was convinced that the world had perished and that he was the last real human being left. The writings combine a range of emotions and provide an insight into the condition of madness and the workings of the human mind.

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber and Faber
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0571143881
• ISBN 13: 9780571143887
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 592
• Editor: Porter Roy