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“The Last Asylum: A Memoir of Madness in Our Times” (Discussion, Birkbeck, 30 June 2014)

posted on February 9, 2025

“The Last Asylum: A Memoir of Madness in Our Times” – Discussing the Issues
Monday 30 June 2014 7.30pm – 9.30pm Room 532, Birkbeck Main Building (Torrington Square)
Barbara Taylor, with David Bell, Stephen Frosh, Rex Haigh and Lynne Segal
Chaired by Sasha Roseneil

At this seminar, Barbara Taylor will speak about her recently published book “The Last Asylum: A Memoir of Madness in Our Times” (2014, Penguin), in dialogue with David Bell, Stephen Frosh, Rex Haigh and Lynne Segal. Taylor’s book raises many important issues about the personal experience of mental illness, and how this might be described and spoken about publicly, about the changing nature of psychiatric and mental health services, and about the role of psychoanalysis, community and friendship in surviving “madness”.

  • Barbara Taylor is Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London.
  • David Bell is a psychoanalyst and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Tavistock Clinic, and Past President of the British Psychoanalytic Society.
  • Stephen Frosh is Professor of Psychology and Pro-Vice Master at Birkbeck, University of London.
  • Rex Haigh is a psychiatrist and group analyst who has played a major role in the development of therapeutic communities in the UK.
  • Lynne Segal is Anniversary Professor of Psychology and Gender Studies, Birkbeck University of London.
  • Sasha Roseneil is Professor of Sociology and Social Theory and Director of the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research at Birkbeck, and a group analyst.

This event is free and open to all, but booking is essential – book your place here

Filed Under: Seminar

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