But for the grace of God: Milledgeville : [the inside story of the world's largest insane asylum]

by Peter G. Cranford, Phil Landers (Illustrator)

Dr. Peter Cranford details keen aspects of life in the World's Largest Insane Asylum (in central Georgia), and offers you a tantalizing glimpse into a disturbing world not often discussed in mainstream forums. You'll hear amongst his fascinating diary, tales of mad experiments and desperate crimes, top secret asylum procedures, twisted statistics, and MANY shocking tidbits of hysteria.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

187 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Peter Gordon Cranford

Reviews

[Teri Drake-Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out this book for research purposes, for a book I'm working on about an ancestor of mine who was at this hospital. Unfortunately, the book didn't really cover the time period she was there at great length, but I wasn't overly disappointed as the book was engaging enough that it didn't matter. I was at turns both horrified, saddened and even occasionally amused while reading the anecdotes of this book. Though it is decades old now, Dr. Cranford captures the humanity of both the patients and staff at Milledgeville. I enjoyed the end section of the book, which is Dr. Cranford's personal diary during his time at the hospital, though parts of it were hard to read (namely the parts about the electroshock-happy, deviant doctor and descriptions of things like spousal abuse, rape and molestation that some of the patients experience). The basic information about the running of the hospital, the political climate around Milledgeville, and back stories of each superintendent were all extremely helpful. I'd love to see an updated version of this book that goes more in depth.

[Caitlin Farlow Josey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a slow start. The history of how the hospital came to be was very interesting. So much information on its early years. His journal entries were neat to read and see how working there actually was.

[His · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, poorly written.

[Paul Peel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Ben Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting history! Anyone who reads this book needs to visit the hospital grounds themselves to truly appreciate it.

[Rose Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fiat part of book was history oh hospital .It was a bit dry.The second part was the author,s journal for the short period of time he was a staff member of the institution.Tis section showcased author,s humanity and sense of humor, I found that section enjoyable, especially the" patient wisdom" paragraphs.