Product guide

Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason

Insanity Reason: Madness and Civilization is Michel Foucault’s history of changing attitudes toward mental illness in Western Europe from 1500 to 1800. It traces how cultural, legal, political, philosophical and medical shifts shaped the treatment of people labelled insane, including the rise of asylums.

At a glance

Examines changing views of madness in Western Europe between 1500 and 1800.
Connects shifts in the treatment of people considered insane with changes in culture, law, politics, philosophy and medical practice.
Describes the historical emergence of asylums and the separation of people labelled insane from the wider community.

Price

$21.21Save 24%

Reference price: ~~$27.99~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

View offer Ahead of Black FridayExplore the selection

Often bought together

Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison

$25.75

The History of Sexuality: An Introduction

$23.00

Pros and cons

Pros

Offers a historical and interdisciplinary lens on mental illness and social attitudes.
A 320-page English-language edition focused on a defined period and region.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Vintage
Publication date	Nov. 28 1988
Edition	First Thus
Language	English
Print length	320 pages
ISBN-10	067972110X
ISBN-13	978-0679721109

Physical details
Weight listed	1.05 kg
Dimensions	12.9 x 1.55 x 20.17 cm

What to know before buying

Some customer feedback reports that pages 145–176 are missing in copies. Check the copy’s page sequence on arrival, especially if relying on this edition for study.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in the history of mental health and social attitudes toward illness.
Students or readers exploring the intersection of philosophy, law, politics and medical history.

Less suited to

Readers seeking an easy, introductory account, as customer feedback is mixed on readability.
Buyers who need a copy with verified complete pagination without checking the physical book.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 569 ratings

5 stars71%71%
4 stars15%15%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars3%3%
1 star4%4%

Customer feedback describes the book as thought-provoking, informative and scholarly, while some readers report missing pages 145–176 and opinions differ on readability. These concerns matter for a 320-page book intended for close reading: readers may want to check pagination and consider whether the writing style suits them. Aggregate ratings are generally favourable, but they do not establish that any particular copy is complete.

Positive themes

Customers describe the book as thought-provoking and informative.
Some readers characterize it as scholarly and important.

Negative themes

Some customers report that pages 145–176 are missing.

Mixed feedback

Readers disagree about readability, with some recommending the book and others finding it difficult.

Frequently asked questions

What is Madness and Civilization about?

It traces changing attitudes toward mental illness in Western Europe from 1500 to 1800, including cultural and institutional changes such as the establishment of asylums.

Is this edition in English?

Yes. The listing identifies the language as English and the print length as 320 pages.

Is it an easy read?

Customer feedback is mixed on readability. Some readers report difficulty, so it may be more suitable for readers comfortable with scholarly philosophical history.