The Idea of Epilepsy: A Medical and Social History of Epilepsy in the Modern Era (1860–2020)

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Simon D. Shorvon (Institute of Neurology, University College London)

The Idea of Epilepsy

A Medical and Social History of Epilepsy in the Modern Era (1860–2020)

Simon D. Shorvon (Institute of Neurology, University College London)

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English

Cambridge University Press
02 February 2023

History of medicine; Diseases & disorders; Neurology & clinical neurophysiology

Epilepsy has a fascinating history. To the medical historian Oswei Temkin it was 'the paradigm of the suffering of both body and soul in disease'. It is justifiably considered a window on brain function. And yet its story is more than simply a medical narrative, but one influenced also by scientific, societal and personal themes. Written for a medical and non-medical readership, this book describes the major developments in epilepsy between 1860–2020, a turbulent era in which science dominated as an explanatory model, medical theories and practices steered an erratic course, and societal attitudes and approaches to epilepsy fluctuated dramatically. In the middle of this maelstrom was the person with epilepsy at the mercy of social attitudes and legislation, and at times harmed as well as helped by medicine and science. So entangled is the history that intriguingly, as an entity, epilepsy may now be thought not even to exist.

By: Simon D. Shorvon (Institute of Neurology University College London)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 260mm, Width: 185mm, Spine: 42mm
Weight: 1.690kg
ISBN: 9781108842617
ISBN 10: 1108842615
Pages: 760
Publication Date: 02 February 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Simon Shorvon is Emeritus Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Hon. Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, where he has worked as a clinical academic specialising in epilepsy for over four decades. He has also served as the Vice President of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), Harveian Librarian at the Royal College of Physicians, co-Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsia, and as Chair of Neurology at University College London. He has won lifetime achievement awards for his work in epilepsy from the American Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Europe, the British Branch of the ILAE and the Shrinivasan and GopalaKrishna foundations in India. He has, with others, published series of textbooks including: Neurology (2 editions 2009, 2016), Epilepsy and Epileptic Seizures (2013), Treatment of Epilepsy (4 editions 1996–2016), and Causes of Epilepsy (2 editions 2011, 2019). He has, with others, also published books on neurological history, including ILAE 1909–2009: A Centenary History (2009), Physicians at War (2016), 500 Years of the Royal College of Physicians (2018), Queen Square, A History of the National Hospital and its Institute of Neurology (2019).

Reviews for The Idea of Epilepsy: A Medical and Social History of Epilepsy in the Modern Era (1860–2020)

'… [the author guides] us through the various and different, truly anthropological perspectives on epilepsy by laying out before us readers his vast knowledge and deep wisdom related to the topic. All is so well organized, referenced and formulated in particularly clear and beautiful English.' Jürg Kesselring, Swiss Archives of Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy '… it presents as a beautiful study book, perfect to work with on a desk; however, it is much more than a study book, it is a book to be read and read again in a comfortable position.' Walter van Emde Boas, Brain Review … a marvellous achievement that is enough to ensure this exceptional work a prominent place in any epilepsy library.' Peter Wolf, Epilepsia Open '… this book is recommended reading for anyone willing to explore why they think about epilepsy the way they do – whether they may be involved professionally with epilepsy, live lives touched by this disease/disorder/condition or are simply interested in the interaction of science, medicine and society.' Markus Reuber, Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy '… this book is a rich source of interesting aspects of the history of epilepsy in the past 160 years. It is recommended for physicians, in particular neurologists, and those non-medically trained persons interested in epilepsy and its history.' Peter J. Koehler, World Neurology 'The book is full of fascinating information, sometimes mixed with curious anecdotes … This book is worth reading by anyone with a specific interest in epilepsy.' Francesco Brigo, Journal of The History of the Neurosciences 'The volume is elegant and beautifully presented. … There is no doubt that this volume is something that any epilepsy specialist should have on their shelves.' Marco Mula, Epilepsy & Behavior