The Politics of Experience - by R D Laing (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A brilliantly original book from one of the 20th century's most influential psychiatrists that goes beyond the usual theories of mental illness and alienation to make a convincing case for the "madness of morality."

R.D. Laing is at his most wickedly iconoclastic in this eloquent assault on conventional morality. Compelling, unsettling, consistently absorbing, The Politics of Experience is a classic of genuine importance that will "excite, enthrall, and disturb. No one who reads it will remain unaffected." (Rollo May, Saturday Review)

From the Back Cover

Unorthodox to some, brilliantly original to others, The Politics of Experience goes beyond the usual theories of mental illness and alienation, and makes a convincing case for the 'madness or morality.'

Review Quotes

"Stunning ... I am overpowered by the challenges he dares to make to what has become a rather conventional profession. I can only hope that he will be heard, and heard respectfully."
--Robert Coles, The New Republic

About the Author

R.D. LAING was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, where he later taught. He served as a psychiatrist and physician for the army and public clinics before turning to private family pratice as a psychoanalyst in the 1960s.

Dr. Laing wrote several books, including The Divided Self, Reason and Violence, The Politics of the Family, and The Voice of Experience. He died in 1989.