Bedlam. St. Mary of Bethlehem

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The book delves into the historical treatment of the mentally ill, focusing on the infamous Bethlehem Royal Hospital, known as Bedlam. It explores the disturbing practice of public voyeurism in the 18th century, where visitors paid to observe inmates in degrading conditions. The narrative highlights the societal attitudes towards mental illness, the harsh realities of life in Bedlam, and the morbid fascination it held for the public, including the allowance of provocative interactions with patients.