James W. Trent uses public documents, private letters, investigative reports, and rare photographs to explore our changing perceptions of mental retardation over the past 150 years. He contends that the economic vulnerability of mentally retarded people (and their families), more than the claims made for their intellectual or social limitations, has determined their institutional treatment.
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"This well-written history of mental retardation documents our changing perceptions of the 'feebleminded.' . . . This is must reading for anyone interested in this vital subject. Replete with shocking photographs and a 40-page reference list. A shattering document."--"Psychoanalytic Books
About the Author
James W. Trent, Jr. is Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Work at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
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First Sentence
All postrevolutionary Americans knew feebleminded people. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
All postrevolutionary Americans knew feebleminded people. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I spent a good deal of time in libraries looking for information that was ALL CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK. Trent does an amazing job of piecing together a social/medical history of mental retardation. No medical book, no first person type accounts, no histories of institutionalization touched this book. This book draws from all the different disciplines to present a complete picture (as good history books do). It is highly readable and engaging. It's academic and rigorous yet entertaining. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This was the best book on this topic I ever read.
25 Sep 1998
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I spent a good deal of time in libraries looking for information that was ALL CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK. Trent does an amazing job of piecing together a social/medical history of mental retardation. No medical book, no first person type accounts, no histories of institutionalization touched this book. This book draws from all the different disciplines to present a complete picture (as good history books do). It is highly readable and engaging. It's academic and rigorous yet entertaining. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
COMPREHENSIVE, EXCELLENT HISTORY
17 Sep 2001
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
James Trent has written an excellent comprehensive history of mental retardation in the U.S. Readers will also find pertinent photographs, and a full bibiography. This volume is a resource for students, human-services professionals, and historians. I highly recommend it.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's superb!
22 July 1999
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I have been teaching classes on the history of residential facilities in America for several years. This book brings a new light to me, and to all of us who work for people with disabilities.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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