Autism in History: The Case of Hugh Blair of Borgue

by Rab A. Houston, Uta Frith

This engaging story of an eighteenth century Scottish laird whose brief arranged marriage was annulled on the grounds of his mental capacity - which seen through modern eyes can be identified as autism. It is a story of villainy and innocence, and provides a fascinating historical context to which the latest theories on autism are applied.

Editorial Reviews

"I found this book utterly absorbing and utterly convincing. The richness of historical detail - testimonies and actual interrogations - and its telling hold one like a novel. The minute sifting of the evidence is in the best historico-clinical tradition, weighing everything carefully, never overstating or pushing. The interest spreads in all directions - about the way the law, the culture, and ordinary people thought of mental incapacity or madness in the eighteenth century. I think Autism in History will be extremely valuable in many different ways." Oliver Sacks M.D. Author of Awakenings.

"The authors guide us through the case with an expert hand, in a book written for a wide range of non-specialist readers. What's more, the book constitutes a unique introduction to autism, presenting both its scientific and clinical aspects, as well as the person and their social circumstances. A stimulating read." Infancia y Aprendizaje, vol 24(2), 2001.

"Rab Houston and Uta Frith provide a splendid case study of probably autism from eighteenth-century Scotland. Houston and Frith are to be congratulated in their synthesis of the evidence for Hugh Blair of Borgue being a case of autism in history. They have done so in a manner and style that is as cautious as it is thorough." Stephen Jones, Norfolk Mental Health Care Trust, Social History of Medicine, vol 14 (2), 2001.

"This is a fascinating book." RH Campbell, Transactions, Vol 75, 2001

"In presenting Hugh Blair, a member of the landowning class in eighteenth-century Scotland, Autism in History demonstrates a refreshing lack of squeamishness ... Although Houston and Frith conclude confidently that they are looking at a case of the same condition we now call autism, they remain sensitive to the ways that historical conditions could influence the perception or presentation of the disorder. In addition, Houston and Frith amass convincing data to show that Blair was, in fact, autistic. It might be possible to quibble with their retrospective diagnosis, but they make a highly plausible case." Jonathan Sadowsky, Castele Associate Professor of Medical History, Case Western Reserve University, Journal of the History of the Behavioural Sciences, Fall 2003

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting for me to see a story described in law language (society’s standards & intent), investigative history terms, and thatbused in modern day clinical psychology. As I am more familiar with the latter, the other two aspects were refreshing to read of. Having the same phenomenon described from different disciplines may seem somewhat repetitive, but I can see why - the objectives of the disciplines are entirely different. I find the narrative precise and carefully executed. While more creative writer(s) may have chosen to blend the two approaches, that would have required some license. On my part I find this a perfectly satisfactory, humane account of Hugh Blair. While I was indeed hoping for some sordid sensational story, I found my intellectual hunger was fed instead, and the judicial writing reminded me of what I should strive to be instead of leaving me where I am - this unaccountable, pleasure-seeking void.

Bravo. A fine example of interdisciplinary research!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was torn between a 2 and a 3 for this book. The subject matter was really interesting but it was written 23 years ago and some of the language used to discuss autistic people in the 'modern' parts was really jarring. I probably would have given it a 3 if it wasn't so repetitive, but that along with the outdated views made it not a great read for me. Probably unfair of me to judge by today's standards, but it made it really difficult to enjoy the book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense, clinical, often tedious to read - but highly informative, clear, logical book that provides a fascinating look at the history of autism. Definitely a must-read for anyone curious about autism, but not an entry level read either. Had a distinct sense of relief after reading as to the evolution of how autists are treated by society.

[Pamela Feliciano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this because Uta Frith is a well-known cognitive neuroscientist and the person described here seems to be one of the earliest cases of autism, although at the time he was described as a "natural [i.e. congenital] idiot." There are excessive historical context/details but altogether I enjoyed this.