Description: Neurasthenia, meaning nerve weakness, was 'invented' in the United States as a disorder of modernity, caused by the fast pace of urban life. Soon after, from the early 1880s onwards, this modern disease crossed the Atlantic. Neurasthenia became much less 'popular' in Britain or the Netherlands than in Germany. This book explores neurasthenia's
Review Quotes: "The volume is an important addition to the historical literature on neurasthenia and should be welcomed as a significant contribution to scholarship." - in: Journal of the History of Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 42, No. 1 (2006)
"Cultures of Neurasthenia is a welcome contribution, not only to history of medicine but also to broader social and cultural history general. ...This collection is an inspiring invitation to medical and social historians to join forces and embark on more comparative work." - in: Wellcome History, Vol. 22 (2003)
"...a fascinating and colourful book ... and a valuable contribution to the history of psychiatry and psychiatric treatment." - in: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, Vol. 5, No. 2 (2002)
"Wer sich also über die Neurasthenie informieren will, greift mit Gewinn zu diesem Sammelband." - in: Gesnerus, Swiss Journal of the History of Medicine and Sciences, Vol. 59 (2002)
"...varied and thought-provoking... [...] This is [...] a timely and welcome volume." - in: Social History of Medicine, Vol. 15, No. 3 (2002)
"...worthwhile..." - Mark Welch, in: Metapsychology Online Book Reviews (2002)
"...a great collection that deserves a wide readership..." - in: Medical History, 47(2) (April 2003)