The Kirkbride Plan

This influential book, first published in 1854, outlines Dr. Kirkbride's vision for constructing and organizing hospitals for the insane. It advocates for a 'moral treatment' approach, focusing on kindness, fresh air, and sunlight, and recommends that institutions should not exceed 250 patients. The book served as a blueprint for many asylums in the 19th century.

William Seabrook's "Asylum" is a compelling memoir detailing his experiences with alcoholism and his treatment in an insane asylum in the 1930s. The book offers a raw and unflinching account of his struggles with addiction and his journey toward recovery. Seabrook's vivid descriptions and introspective reflections provide a powerful insight into the challenges of addiction and the complexities of mental health. The book's enduring relevance lies in its honest portrayal of addiction and its exploration of the human capacity for self-destruction and redemption. It remains a significant work in the literature of addiction and recovery.

In 'The Architecture of Madness', Carla Yanni provides a comprehensive history of state asylums in the United States from the 1770s to the late 19th century. The book examines how these institutions were designed with the belief that architecture could influence behavior and potentially cure mental illness. Yanni discusses the influential linear plan developed by Thomas Kirkbride and how these buildings reflected societal attitudes towards mental health.

A Kind of Mirraculas Paradise is a memoir that delves into the life of Sandy Allen's uncle, who struggled with paranoid schizophrenia. The book combines excerpts from her uncle's autobiography with her own narrative, providing a gripping coming-of-age story while exploring broader themes of mental health care in America. It offers a heartfelt and often humorous portrayal of living with schizophrenia, highlighting both the challenges and the resilience of those affected.