R.D. Laing; Edgar Z Friedenberg; Viking Press; New York; 1974; Trade Paper; 118pp.

VERY GOOD  condition- Internals clean, binding tight, APPEARS UNOPENED AND UNREAD – Cover lifts slightly, price inked out on front, and some wear to edges; foxing to edges and on inside covers – 7.25″ x 4.5″ paperback

“R.D. Laing” is a 1974 book by Edgar Z. Friedenberg that offers an engaging and insightful analysis of the life and work of Ronald David Laing, a prominent figure in the anti-psychiatry movement of the mid-20th century. Laing was a controversial psychiatrist who significantly challenged the status quo of mental health care, contending that schizophrenic symptoms were expressions of distress that should be understood contextually and empathetically.

In this book, Friedenberg examines Laing’s ideas, his practice, and his influence in detail. Friedenberg delves into Laing’s radical critique of psychiatric norms, his emphasis on the subjective experience of mental illness, and his advocacy for patient-centered approaches. The book captures Laing’s revolutionary ideas, such as viewing ‘madness’ as a transformative journey rather than a disease, and his assertions about the role of societal and familial pressures in mental health.

Friedenberg provides a well-rounded view, presenting both the praises for Laing’s humanistic approach and the criticisms of his unconventional methods. Despite being published nearly five decades ago, the book remains a critical resource for understanding Laing’s contributions to psychiatry and the enduring debates about the nature and treatment of mental illness.