Hystories: Hysterical Epidemics and Modern Culture

'Hystories is an exhilarating book which lobs politically incorrect cocktails in all directions . . . it is important and impressive in opening up a debate and reminding us of the psychological relevance of history' Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times

'Groundbreaking . . . this is undoubtedly a brave book and one which should be welcomed for generating arguments which so far have been silenced' Julie Wheelwright, Scotland on Sunday

'Hystories is guaranteed to make us take a more reflective look at the fears and demons that so rampantly haunt our fin de siècle' Lisa Appignanesi, Independent

'Provocative and immensely readable . . . Showalter's gift is for lively, literate and interpretive synthesis of specialized academic scholarship, in language that bridges the popular and scholarly worlds . . . we can be thankful for a commentator as sane, courageous and clear-headed as [she]' Mark S. Micale, Times Literary Supplement

'Considered and level-headed' Ruth Rendell, Daily Telegraph

'This is a brave book, not only because it dares to question feminist orthodoxies, but also because it reminds us that feminism's purpose is the investigation of truth, not the perpetuation of blame' Erica Jong