It’s my pleasure to be a part of author R. Gregory Lande’s Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour with his latest release, The Abraham Man: Madness, Malingering and the Development of Medical Testimony or Growth and Development of Forensic Psychiatry.
First, here’s a brief description of the American history of forensic
psychiatry book:The mere mention of the insanity defense guarantees a lively debate. Opponents of the defense cite the loss of criminal culpability while proponents argue just as passionately that the insanity defense is the ultimate act of compassion. The protagonists would probably be quite surprised to learn that the same basic concerns consumed Americans in the nineteenth century. One factor – The Abraham Man – sowed the seeds of confusion and controversy that united the past with the present.
Here’s a short excerpt from The Abraham Man:
Some of the most celebrated civil and criminal trials in American history were argued under the shadow of The Abraham Man. Readers will delight in the detailed stories of long forgotten legal cases which bring the antics of The Abraham Man to life. Through the process, readers will follow the careers of notable Civil War surgeons whose post-war professional development shaped the future of modern mental health care. In addition, the reader will learn about the promise of the asylum movement, prominent practitioners of the era, the politics, and eventual decline of institutional mental health care.
Both readers and libraries will find The Abraham Man a refreshing, authoritative text replete with primary source documentation. The engaging narrative deftly weaves the history of science in the 19th century with evolving trends in legal practice. Throughout this period, the budding relationship between doctors and lawyers fashioned the foundation of modern medical legal practice. At every step along the path The Abraham Man sowed confusion and controversy, paradoxically contributing to more rigorous medical practice.
The book will clearly tap into the public’s modern fascination with forensic medicine. Professional readers, such as lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, will find The Abraham Man a valuable historical reference which still rings true after 150 years. Civil War aficionados will discover a fresh perspective and “the rest of the story” about some famous soldiers. Medical history buffs will be enlightened by the devices and stratagems doctors employed to uncover malingering, in many cases the forerunners of modern diagnostic technologies.
Now a bit of background on the author.
R. Gregory Lande, DO is a physician and retired US Army Medical Corps Officer. Dr. Lande completed his medical education at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Shortly thereafter, he was commissioned an officer in the US Army. During his career in the military, Dr. Lande was active in a wide variety of clinical, academic and administrative positions.
Upon leaving the US Army as a full colonel, Dr. Lande was awarded the Legion of Merit recognizing his career contributions. The next phase of his career involved administrative positions in hospital management, research, and teaching at various civilian facilities.
Dr. Lande is the author of numerous medical and historical works. He lectures widely on both subjects. For more information on Dr. Lande, visit him online at http://www.medicallegalhistory.com/
The Abraham Man is available for purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Algora Publishing.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you fascinated by forensic medicine?
Mason - Thanks for sharing this book. I like reading about history and this part of it - the history of forensic psychiatry - really interests me. There've been so many changes and a lot of progress in the way we view psychiatry and in what we know about the human mind. We certainly don't have all of the answers yet, but this book sounds as though it's an interesting look at the past.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Dr. Lande oday, Mason. I read this book recently. As a lover of history, I found it fascinating. It definitely helps you realize how far we've come, even if we have a ways to go yet in understanding he mind.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting. I am fascinated by forensic science/medicine. I also like reading about psychology. We have come a long way (from when I was a child -even) in recognizing and treating mental issues.
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