Our Necessary Shadow

The Nature and Meaning of Psychiatry

By: Tom Burns

Write A Review

Paperback | 23 July 2014 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
384 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.5 x 12.9 x 2.2

Paperback

RRP $35.00

$32.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $8.19 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

Psychiatry is a battleground, criticised on the one hand as an instrument of social control, while on the other as offering lasting solutions to mental illness. Which of these contrasting positions should we believe? What is the truth about psychiatry? In this deeply thoughtful, descriptive and sympathetic book, psychiatry professor Tom Burns explains it in full. He reviews psychiatry's historical development, lays out the arguments over treatment, discusses where it helps, and where it is imperfect. Mental illnesses, he shows, are intimately tied to what makes us human, and the drive to relieve them is even more human. Psychiatry, for all its flaws, represents our best impulses. It is our necessary shadow. 'Lucid, humane, well-balanced . . . has honesty and integrity.' Will Self, Guardian 'Makes a powerful case.' Financial Times 'Superbly clear.' Sunday Times 'He is calm, sympathetic, willing to listen and eager to understand . . . Just the person you would like to be in charge of your care.' The Times 'Wise, erudite . . . A humane, tempered view.' PsycCritiques

Industry Reviews

Superbly clear history of psychiatry ... -- Bryan Appleyard, Pick of the Paperbacks * Sunday Times *

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $49.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.