The only book to explore the role of nurses in mental hospitals, this work moves from the early nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century, providing a timely and comprehensive review of the institutional era and its lessons for mental health care and mental health nurses today. Niall McCrae and Peter Nolan have considerable expertise in the history of mental health services. The 'readability' of their book is one of its most pleasing features and the authors have the skill of making the complex simple and fascinating. This book, while of interest to mental health nurses, should be required reading for all members of the multi-professional mental healthcare team. Entering the mental health professions today without knowing their histories would be like starting a journey without a map. This book is one of the best maps of the historical terrain that I have come across. Hugh McKenna, Professor, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) University of Ulster, UK At last, due credit to nurses who devoted their careers to the vulnerable in an impoverished yet caring environment: good work was done. Jo Brand, comedian and former psychiatric nurse A thought provoking and comprehensive history of mental health nursing based on a rich variety of sources, this is adetailed, far ranging and accessible overview. McCrae and Nolan have produced what should become the seminal work on the history of British mental health nursing. Claire Chatterton, Chair, RCN History of Nursing Society, UK