The Illustrated History of Hypnotism
Product Description
This monumental history charts the development of hypnotism from ancient times to the start of the modern era. This classic book is a major contribution to the literature of hypnosis and will be used as a source book and reference volume for many years to come…. More >>
April 20th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Read this compelling book for a fascinating insight into the history of hypnotism. The Illustrated History of Hypnotism, by John C. Hughes, is a thoroughly researched and well illustrated book. History books are often dry reading, the author of this book, however, has produced a definitive and interesting history of hypnotism that is well written and a joy to read.
Hypnosis was a very important tool in my psychotherapy practice. Many sections of this book are worth emphasizing but mention must be made of Hughes’ portrayal of Milton Erickson’s complex personality. This particularly impressed me as I have eight books on Ericksonian hypnotherapy in my library, but none of them compare to the living biography of Erickson in this book. I feel as if I really know Erickson and I now have a deeper understanding of his unique approach to hypnosis. The author is to be congratulated on producing a work that will be appreciated by academics and general readers alike. Every psychology student and practitioner of hypnosis should add this important book to their library of resources.
Clyde Lunger, M.A., Psychotherapist
Rating: 5 / 5
April 20th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Reviewed by Erin M. Hudgins for RebeccasReads (3/09)
How did hypnosis develop as a healing force? Who were the players at the helm of this innovative practice, and what does the future hold? In The Illustrated History of Hypnotism, author John Hughes successfully melds a comprehensive text examining the field of hypnosis with the fascinating accounts of the men behind the movement.
Hughes begins his work with several recapitulations of the parentage of hypnotism, including bewitching accounts of shamanistic and primitive culture practice. These fervent tales of self induced hysteria and masochistic pleasurement spike the reader’s interest in the acculturation of this clinical form.
Hughes captures the mood and provides thoughtful but analytical insights to a time when the nature of medical treatment was largely experimental. This text thoroughly references the contributions of the major practitioners and helps to solidify hypnosis as a viable form of therapeutic treatment for any skeptics.
In providing a literature of hypnosis, Hughes is able to draw the reader in and provides pragmatic exploration of what some may have previously believed as magic. This is all made more interesting by a rich narrative and supporting cast of real life players. I would recommend this book not only for the hypnotherapy follower, but also for any reader interested in historical biographies.
Rating: 4 / 5
April 20th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Reading this book is time well spent for anyone like myself who is passionate about the art of hypnosis and wants to have a better understanding of it’s place in history and in our world today. It is well researched and well written. I am a professional hypnotist and found many of the stories of the past masters inspiring and enlightening. Hypnosis as a profession is still in diapers… this book celebrates our grand tradition.
Mesmer, Puysegur and Esdaile are all covered well, as are Braid, the Nancy School and Coue. The author John Hughes has given me a better sense of why hypnosis has never gone away for long.
I was surprised that Dave Elman was not covered. Next time.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 20th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
A celebrated hypnotist and keen historian, John C. Hughes, D.C., shines new light on the evolution of the fascinating world of hypnosis in his most recent book, The Illustrated History of Hypnotism.
Filled with engaging snapshots of the greatest faces and events in the field of hypnotism, the text offers a noted authority’s well-balanced view of the development of hypnosis as a profession and method of treatment whose origins can be traced back one of the earliest forms of civilization.
Bold and insightful, the text explores the roots of hypnotic methodology and focuses on the development of the discipline with a narrative that is both fact-filled and easy to read. Spirited and thoroughly researched, the text unearths and corrects past fallacies, misinterpretations and omissions that have distorted clear understanding of the true nature of the development and significance of hypnosis.
Most importantly, Hughes brings into focus the missteps that often delayed progress and, to this day, skew the public’s perception of hypnosis. His insight into the source of recurrent hurdles faced by hypnotists provides a clear caution to the next generations of great hypnotists.
A must-read for all hypnotists, this ground-breaking body of work is finely crafted in a manner that is obviously suited to please the literary palette of a much broader circle of readers.
Thank you, Dr. Hughes, for your remarkable contribution to history.
Larry A. Lunnin
NGH Certified Hypnotist
Rating: 5 / 5
April 20th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/09)
Authority on the history of hypnotism, John C. Hughes captures the complete timeline from ancient times to the modern era in “The Illustrated History of Hypnotism.” Although Hughes’ in-depth research takes the reader (and student) back when German doctor Franz Anton Mesmer, considered to be the first practitioner of hypnotism, discovered “animal magnetism” he does explain that trance states go back to the beginning of the human race. Since Mesmer’s work was more accepted because of the scientific connotations the term “mesmerism” was used until James Braid, a Scottish surgeon, coined the term “hypnosis” over a hundred and fifty years ago. Also, concentrating on the father of hypnotism, Hughes details Mesmer’s life and achievements.
Hypnotism, prevalent in Europe, was attempted to be introduced to America by Marquis de Lafayette just after the Revolutionary War. Immediately before sailing to America he wrote a letter to George Washington introducing Mesmer’s discovery of animal magnetism and the promise to reveal the secret. However, after Lafayette arrived and was wined and dined by the Thirteen States, he didn’t even mention it. At that time the notion of hypnotism dropped until the 1840s when Charles Poyen, a French missionary, brought it up again. However, erroneous notions surrounded the art and didn’t excel in America as proponents has expected. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, a follower of Poyen, became a skillful hypnotist and during the six years (1860-1866) of his practice treated over twelve thousand persons.
From that time on, but not without struggle of acceptance, hypnotism for healing purposes excelled. In 1976 Milton H. Erickson, well known as the American forerunner of hypnotism, received the newly created Benjamin Franklin Gold Metal Award for the highest level of achievement in the theory and practice of hypnotism. Hypnotism is widely used and accepted today for healing purposes by medical professionals as well as certified hypnotherapists.
When the opportunity came up for me to review this book, I was elated. Being a former certified practitioner of hypnotherapy I still have my interests in the modality and was pleased to re-visit the history. John C. Hughes is a master writer of history. “The Illustrated History of Hypnotism” brings out his skills, not only as a writer of history but also as an authority in the field of hypnotism. Hughes’ work is well researched, concise, and educational. Every student and practitioner of hypnotism must consider adding this book to their library of resources, as well as every school that teaches this modality must add it to their curriculum. I highly recommend this classic!
Rating: 5 / 5