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From Sin to Insanity: Suicide in Early Modern Europe

Name: From Sin to Insanity: Suicide in Early Modern Europe
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Book Synopsis: In the broadest treatment yet of suicide in Europe during the period 1500–1800, 11 authors combine elements of social, cultural, legal, and intellectual history to trace important changes in the ways Europeans experienced and understood voluntary death. Well into the seventeenth century, Europeans viewed suicide as a terrible crime and an unforgivable sin resulting from demonic temptation. By the late eighteenth century, however, suicide was rarely subject to judicial penalties, and society tended to blame self-inflicted death on insanity rather than on the devil. From Sin to Insanity shows that early modern Europe witnessed nothing less than the birth of modern suicide: increasing in frequency, self-inflicted death became decriminalized, secularized, and medicalized, viewed as a regrettable but not shameful result of reversals in fortune or physical or mental infirmity. The ten chapters focus on suicide cases and attitudes toward self-murder from the fifteenth to the early nineteenth centuries in geographical settings as diverse as Scandinavia and Hungary, France and Germany, England and Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands.

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Discover the fascinating history of suicide in early modern Europe with the groundbreaking book, "From Sin to Insanity: Suicide in Early Modern Europe." Taking a comprehensive approach, this book combines social, cultural, legal, and intellectual history to uncover the changing perceptions and understanding of voluntary death during the period of 1500–1800. Dive into the pages of this compelling work and explore how suicide went from being considered a heinous crime driven by demonic influences to being seen as a tragic outcome of mental illness.

"From Sin to Insanity" is a captivating exploration of a significant societal shift, shedding light on the birth of modern suicide. The authors reveal how self-inflicted death became decriminalized, secularized, and medicalized over time, ultimately challenging the prevailing belief in the devil's role in suicide. With compelling cases and insights from various European regions such as Scandinavia, Hungary, France, Germany, England, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the issue.

Delve into the captivating narratives and attitudes surrounding suicide in early modern Europe. Gain a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and cultural factors that shaped the perception of self-murder, and how they evolved over time. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, "From Sin to Insanity" opens a window into the complexities of human nature and societal attitudes towards mental health.

Don't miss out on this groundbreaking work. Enhance your knowledge of European history and broaden your understanding of the profound transformations that occurred during the period of 1500–1800. Explore "From Sin to Insanity: Suicide in Early Modern Europe" today and unlock a wealth of insights into the birth of modern suicide. It's time to embark on a captivating journey through time and witness the transformation of society's perception of voluntary death. Get your copy now!

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