Madness and Civilization
Madness and Civilization
Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • Various Centuries
1961
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Madness and Civilization (1961), Michel Foucault examines Western society's evolving perceptions of madness from the Renaissance to the modern era, focusing on its transformation from being viewed as a form of secret knowledge to an oppositional force to reason, and ultimately to an illness requiring medical treatment and confinement. Sensitive topics include descriptions of confinement and the historical treatment of neurodivergent individuals.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,105 ratings
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Review Roundup
Michel Foucault's Madness and Civilization delves into the historical treatment of madness, presenting a provocative and intricate analysis. Admirers praise Foucault's depth, originality, and critical insight. Criticisms often highlight dense prose and challenging structure. Overall, the work is lauded for its intellectual rigor but noted for accessibility issues.
Who Should Read Madness and Civilization?
A reader who enjoys Madness and Civilization by Michel Foucault typically has an interest in philosophy, critical theory, and the history of mental illness. Comparable books include Thomas Szasz's The Myth of Mental Illness and Erving Goffman's Asylums. This reader seeks to understand social constructs and their historical contexts.
14,105 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Madness and Civilization by Michel Foucault is often considered a foundational text in the field of post-structuralist philosophy and critique of psychiatry, showcasing Foucault's unique approach to the history of ideas.
The book was first published in 1961 in French under the title Histoire de la folie à l'âge classique, and it explores the evolution of the societal perception and treatment of mental illness from the Renaissance to the modern era.
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320
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • Various Centuries
1961
Adult
18+ years
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