The Book
The Illustrated History of Hypnotism: from Franz Anton Mesmer to Milton H. Erickson
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Paperback: 476 pages Buy the Book DescriptionA celebrated hypnotist and keen historian, John C. Hughes, D.C., shines new light on the evolution of the fascinating world of hypnosis in his most recent book, The Illustrated History of Hypnotism. Filled with engaging snapshots of the greatest faces and events in the field of hypnotism, the text offers a noted authority's well-balanced view of the development of hypnosis as a profession and method of treatment whose origins can be traced back one of the earliest forms of civilization. Bold and insightful, the text explores the roots of hypnotic methodology and focuses on the development of the discipline with a narrative that is both fact-filled and easy to read. Spirited and thoroughly researched, the text unearths and corrects past fallacies, misinterpretations and omissions that have distorted clear understanding of the true nature of the development and significance of hypnosis. Most importantly, Hughes brings into focus the missteps that often delayed progress and, to this day, skew the public's perception of hypnosis. His insight into the source of recurrent hurdles faced by hypnotists provides a clear caution to the next generations of great hypnotists. A must-read for all hypnotists, this ground-breaking body of work is finely crafted in a manner that is obviously suited to please the literary palette of a much broader circle of readers. |
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Reviews "This monumental history charts the development of hypnotism from ancient times to the start of the modern era. This classic book is a major contribution to the literature of hypnosis and will be used as a source book and reference volume for many years to come." "If you are looking for a comprehensive history of hypnotism, then this is the book for you. John C. Hughes, a notable expert on the subject matter, provides the academic and curious reader with a well-researched, well-written and thorough work on how hypnotism has traveled to its current status as a professionally accepted mode of therapy. The Illustrated History of Hypnotism is a 400-page journey that is sure to add new knowledge, even to the reader who is well informed on the subject matter. Although this is a text that would be very appropriate for academic, reference and research purposes, it is a book that can easily be consumed by anyone who has a strong interest in the subject matter." Read more "John Hughes has written a masterful book that I recommend to everyone interested in the hypnotic arts and sciences. He has written a book that rises above this narrow perspective. This is a careful and scholarly history of hypnotism that takes seriously the work of all hypnotic practitioners, from Chicago stage hypnotist Herbert Flint in 1903 to the work of the gifted psychiatrist Milton Erickson. Hughes writes in an evenhanded way, tracing how theories about hypnotic trance and suggestion developed and modified over time as they were passed from one practitioner to the next generation.This is a volume the reader will return to many times, both for reference due to the high quality of its scholarship, and for insight due to the quality of the analysis Hughes has put before us." Read more "In The Illustrated History of Hypnotism, author John Hughes successfully melds a comprehensive text examining the field of hypnosis with the fascinating accounts of the men behind the movement. Hughes begins his work with several recapitulations of the parentage of hypnotism, including bewitching accounts of shamanistic and primitive culture practice. These fervent tales of self induced hysteria and masochistic pleasurement spike the reader's interest in the acculturation of this clinical form. Hughes captures the mood and provides thoughtful but analytical insights to a time when the nature of medical treatment was largely experimental. This text thoroughly references the contributions of the major practitioners and helps to solidify hypnosis as a viable form of therapeutic treatment for any skeptics." Read more "John C. Hughes is a master writer of history. “The Illustrated History of Hypnotism” brings out his skills, not only as a writer of history but also as an authority in the field of hypnotism. Hughes’ work is well researched, concise, and educational. Every student and practitioner of hypnotism must consider adding this book to their library of resources, as well as every school that teaches this modality must add it to their curriculum. I highly recommend this classic!" Read more |
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