Patients with epilepsy have been stigmatised and ostracised throughout the ages, primarily due to ignorance of what epilepsy is, and how it has been portrayed in the media and arts. This books charts how increased knowledge of epilepsy has led to some change, but unfortunately stigmatisation still persists.

John Greene

Like so many who have had only passing acquaintance with epilepsy, until I read this book I had little idea of how profoundly it has affected the lives of both “ordinary” people as well as “celebrities” throughout history.

 
Ron Lander

“I don’t know where to begin. Thank you for sharing this extraordinary accomplishment with me. I learned a lot from reading this thoughtful, well-research and beautifully written book”.

Toba Kerson.

“I am pleased to have recently received your wonderful book and am amazed at the level of scholarship and synthesis you achieved, as well as the honesty and openness of your personal story”.

Steven Schachter. Professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and past president of the American Epilepsy Society

“There are few if any books or authors that have taken on this challenge, integrating science with the arts to reveal the profound social/medical implications of this condition”.
Epilepsy and Behaviour- Book Review”.

“This book is excellent at so many levels. Its breadth for a start is impressive. The book fosters understanding and kindness. Ultimately, it is not only about epilepsy, but about humanity and our attitudes to others”.

Book Review

““There is a wealth of information in this book, evidently a labour of love. I highly recommend it to anyone involved or interested in the care of people with epilepsy”.

“In writing Sacred Lives Professor Bone states that the ‘aim has been to bring epilepsy out of the shadows’ and ‘challenge fresh thought about the lives of those for whom epilepsy is a daily reality.’ It is a fascinating book which succeeds, and nurtures that extra insight”.

“As a parent of two children with epilepsy, I found this a really interesting read and can’t believe how lucky I am that my children were born now when there is a much greater understanding of epilepsy. Fascinating to read how epilepsy was viewed in past generations and to see the links and references to epilepsy throughout literature, culture and history. A great read, thank you”.

“A fascinating description of the history of epilepsy, not only in medicine but also its effect on the arts”.

“This book is a gem. I particularly enjoyed the opening historical chapter and furthermore the description of epilepsy as viewed in ancient artwork, paintings, theatre old and recent, in social media, television, the cinema and even music. All written in a relaxed reading style .It is not a medical textbook, and would be, I am sure, enjoyed by anyone involved in health care ,, as well those with a curious mind. It reminded me that this illness, in spite of all modern expertise and investigation, still has an unknown cause in some cases, and continues to be a lifetime trial for many. This is a five star read”.