Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time)

Name: Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time)
Price: 23.99 USD
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Rating: 4.9 (24 reviews)

4.9 of 5 Stars: History - Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time)

$23.99

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Book Synopsis: In the towns of Taunton and Northampton, Massachusetts' earliest public psychiatric hospitals were left abandoned and whispered about by those living in their shadows. Built using the "Kirkbride plan," these relics were designed specifically to cure mental illness based on early nineteenth-century cure theories, which included fresh air, regimentation and an aesthetic environment. Their elegant spires and arched passages were feats of engineering blended with medical science, as architects worked alongside doctors to design these elaborate institutions. The vast corridors of these hospitals were quickly overburdened with patients however, and in short time the asylums became not only a last resort for treatment, but even a place to be feared. As treatment of mental health progressed, these castle-like hospitals grew increasingly obsolete until they were finally shuttered by the state. Tom Kirsch takes us on a journey into these forbidden places where few have ventured with his photography, while providing the important context of why they were built and their fall from grace.

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Discover the secrets of the past with Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time). This captivating book delves into the history of Massachusetts' abandoned psychiatric hospitals, uncovering the untold stories hidden within their crumbling walls. With intriguing photographs by Tom Kirsch, you'll be transported back in time to the heyday of these architectural wonders.

Step inside the elegant spires and arched passages of the "Kirkbride plan" hospitals, where architects and doctors collaborated to create a unique environment for mental health treatment. Immerse yourself in the rich history of these institutions as you learn about the early nineteenth-century cure theories that shaped their design. This book is a fascinating blend of medical science, engineering marvels, and haunting beauty.

Witness the rise and fall of these once prominent institutions as you navigate through the vast corridors of the Taunton and Northampton asylums. Kirsch's stunning photography captures the melancholic atmosphere, revealing the remnants of a bygone era. Feel the weight of history as you explore these forbidden places, where both hope and despair reside.

Uncover the truth behind the abandoned hospitals, and gain a deeper understanding of their place in the evolution of mental health treatment. From their beginnings as havens of hope to their transformation into places shrouded in fear, Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time) offers a captivating journey through time.

Join us on a captivating journey that reveals the hidden stories of Taunton and Northampton's lost asylums. Become immersed in the captivating photographs and enthralling narrative by Tom Kirsch. Whether you're an enthusiast of history, architecture, or mental health, this book is a must-read. Explore the abandoned halls and gain a newfound appreciation for the triumphs and tragedies that occurred within their crumbling walls. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of these forgotten havens of the past. Get your copy of Crumbling Castles: The Lost Asylums at Taunton and Northampton (America Through Time) now!

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