Reviews for Bizarre behaviours

The average rating for Bizarre behaviours based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-01-22 00:00:00 James Stevenson 'The study of so-called extreme forms of behaviour can be useful in teaching us about the whole range of human conduct.' Herschel Prins' concise but rich study of the bizarre behaviours that can be found at the boundaries of psychiatric disorder has much to offer those interested in the interface between psychiatry and literature, particularly literature of a darker, Gothic predisposition. Prins' engagement with a range of psychiatric disorders, including the urge to run amok, delusional jealousy, vampirism and necrophilia is compellingly illustrated by references to classic works of literature. This emphasises one of Prins' central points, that 'in order to enrich our understanding [of such behaviours] we must explore the territories of anthropology, folklore, mythology art, and theology as well as those disciplines that concern themselves more specifically with seriously abnormal behaviour such as abnormal psychology, psychiatry, forensic medicine, toxicology and pathology.' Thus 'Bizzare Behaviours' ultimately represents an irresistible manifesto for multidisciplinary approaches to understanding and addressing such phenomena. As a good friend of mine remarked, Prins' work delineates the boundary where psychiatry and literature meet, offering a greater understanding of both. This is important, invaluable work.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-04-20 00:00:00 Amy Vinson Excellent seminal text. Print font displayed as original text. Chapters remain relevant to contemporary society. Can be read as well as reference text.