The Matteawan Asylum

by Bob Martin

The true stories from this handwritten journal maintained by the ward physicians at The Asylum for Insane Criminals (Matteawan) have never been told. The leather-bound book has survived for more than a century. Frayed and weathered with time, it was hidden away until now. This historical document is a surviving journal from The Matteawan Asylum and has never been shown until transcribed and published in this book. Many of the insane patients tell their stories, and the madness and mayhem they speak of are revealed in detail. This was a violent they could never be released among the general prison population. Many of them were so violent even Sing Sing could not restrain them. Their one obsession was to escape and, occasionally, they did. You are, therefore, invited to enter a world never seen until now. This is the world of the asylum. This is the truth. This is Matteawan.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2014

Reviews

[Catherine Yezak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting History

This story provides a fascinating glimpse into mental health services at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. By using the found journal of the doctors of Matteawan Asylum in New York State, we see that madness takes many forms. Sometimes it can be treated. In other cases, the patient is lost to the sickness of their mind and body.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing!

A very intriguing read with plenty of detail regarding those that weren't as fortunate as you and I.
I love the fact that these stories have been brought to light and hopefully some of the souls can rest in peace knowing that a part if even just a little has been read.

[Jessica Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book to read about how things were in the late 1800s. Each person is assigned a Take In sheet that tells a lot about them including their crime. Each of the stories told a little bit of what it was like to be in an asylum.

[Holly Steen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to get an inside view of what mental asylums were like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The records give an insight into not only the patients but the frame of mind of those that are tasked with the care of those patients. It's not an easy read but very educational.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into the inmates of an insane asylum.

[Sherrie Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry

I understand the concept. However, it was interesting, but it lacked luster. I believe Doctors did their best with the knowledge they had at the time.

[Mark H Duprey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book

Very good book! Explaining the struggles that some people experienced makes me more appreciative of my old challenges. Very good.

[Shannon James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look into mental illness

This book takes you on a journey into the history of asylums. It delves into the issues patients and attendants faced.