Focusing on the societal attitudes towards insanity in the nineteenth century, the book explores the evolving perceptions and treatment of the mentally ill. Vieda Skultans provides an insightful introduction that highlights significant developments and shifts in understanding madness, revealing the complexities and implications of these views during a transformative period in mental health history.
The book offers a sympathetic exploration of spiritualist activities, highlighting their connection to the everyday lives of practitioners. Drawing from the author's immersive fieldwork as a 'participant observer' in a South Wales town, it delves into the rituals and beliefs of spiritualism, providing insights into how these practices influence and intertwine with the secular experiences of the individuals involved.