The Meaning of Madness [Paperback]

A riveting read for anyone looking for a window into the world of mental disorder... --Professor Robert Howard, Dean, The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Most books on mental disorder are either polemical or over-technical. This remarkable book by contrast provides a highly readable and at the same time authoritative account that by combining literary and scientific sources shows the deep connections between 'madness' and some of our most important attributes as human beings. --Professor Bill Fulford, University of Oxford

Burton somehow avoids oversimplification. This is all the more remarkable, since his scope is fairly all-embracing, switching smoothly from side-effects of lithium to the nature of existential anxiety, to the quest for meaning in life... His writing is frequently almost poetic, yet he is capable of being crisply definitive... Ultimately this is a work of contradictions, an undemanding read that could challenge your view of the world. --Medical Journalists' Association

Most books on mental disorder are either polemical or over-technical. This remarkable book by contrast provides a highly readable and at the same time authoritative account that by combining literary, philosophical and scientific sources, shows the deep connections between 'madness' and some of our most important attributes as human beings.

A riveting read for anyone looking for a window into the world of mental disorder. Through his exploration of the philosophical and artistic context of mental health and disorder, Burton challenges the reader with his view that madness is no more than an expression of the mountain peaks and ocean depths of human nature.

This book really does what it says on the cover, looking behing the usual categories to ask: why does this condition exist and what evolutionary advantage did it give to the human race? It's an interesting way of looking at things, and one that puts a positive spin on illnesses which are usually portrayed as being nothing but negative. As well as outlining different western theories, Burton also looks at other cultures, providing a refreshing overview.

Few people have written three books (two award-winning) by their late 20s, have three degrees, and have worked full time in the NHS as a psychiatrist. Neel Burton is both intimidatingly bright and, as you can see, rather prolific. His new book, 'The Meaning of Madness', draws together the scientific, philosophical, and literary influences that have woven the myth and history of psychiatry. Just by being presented with the fact that animals do not suffer from schizophrenia, you begin to be intrigued by the complexities of human behaviour. The book is packed with similar striking insights ... Neel Burton has an elegant facility in allowing access to the generalist reader, while also providing an educational tour de force for doctors who may be drawn to the world of mental health. A grand literary future awaits, I would posit.

WINNER OF THE BMA YOUNG AUTHORS' AWARD. This book proposes to open up the debate on mental disorders, to get people interested and talking, and to get them thinking. For example, what is schizophrenia? Why is it so common? Why does it affect human beings and not animals? What might this tell us about our mind and body, language and creativity, music and religion? What are the boundaries between mental disorder and 'normality'? Is there a relationship between mental disorder and genius? These are some of the difficult but important questions that this book confronts, with the overarching aim of exploring what mental disorders can teach us about human nature and the human condition.

Dr Neel Burton qualified in neuroscience and medicine from the University of London and is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is the author of several books, including a prize-winning textbook of psychiatry and a prize-winning self-help book for people with schizophrenia. He lives and teaches in Oxford.

Dr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist and philosopher who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. His other books include 'Master your Mind - The Mental Health Guide' and 'Plato's Shadow - A Primer on Plato', both also with Acheron Press.