{"title":"Darby Penney","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection of works by \u003cstrong\u003eDarby Penney\u003c\/strong\u003e, an acclaimed author in the realm of Philosophy and Psychology. Penney is celebrated for her poignant exploration of mental health and history, providing deep insights into the lives of individuals often left unheard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her notable works is \u003cem\u003eThe Lives They Left Behind\u003c\/em\u003e, a profound book that traces the life stories of patients from a state hospital through the discovery of forgotten suitcases. This innovative work shines a light on personal narratives from those confined within psychiatric institutions, making it a significant contribution to understanding mental health history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDarby Penney's writings are recognised for their compassionate approach and dedication to bringing forth the humanity and dignity of people who have been historically marginalised. Her work invites readers to reflect on the complexities of psychiatric care and to reconsider the narratives that dominate our understanding of mental illness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are delving into the intricacies of psychology or exploring the philosophical aspects of mental health, Darby Penney's books offer insightful perspectives that are both educational and engaging. Her collection in this online bookstore is a valuable resource for anyone interested in these compelling subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-lives-they-left-behind-by-darby-penney-9781934137147","title":"The Lives They Left Behind","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Lives They Left Behind\u003c\/i\u003e is a deeply moving testament to the human side of mental illness, and of the narrow margin which so often separates the sane from the mad. It is a remarkable portrait, too, of the life of a psychiatric asylum—the sort of community in which, for better and for worse, hundreds of thousands of people lived out their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDarby Penney and Peter Stastny's careful historical (almost archaeological) and biographical reconstructions give us unique insight into these lives which would otherwise be lost and, indeed, unimaginable to the rest of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOliver Sacks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Fascinating. . . . The haunting thing about the suitcase owners is that it's so easy to identify with them.\" \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Willard State Hospital closed its doors in 1995, after operating as one of New York State's largest mental institutions for over 120 years, a forgotten attic filled with suitcases belonging to former patients was discovered. Using the possessions found in these suitcases along with institutional records and doctors' notes from patient sessions, Darby Penney, a leading advocate of patients' rights, and Peter Stastny, a psychiatrist and documentary filmmaker, were able to reconstruct the lives of ten patients who resided at Willard during the first half of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Lives They Left Behind\u003c\/i\u003e tells their story. In addition to these human portraits, the book contains over 100 photographs as well as valuable historical background on how this state-funded institution operated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs it restores the humanity of the individuals it so poignantly evokes, \u003ci\u003eThe Lives They Left Behind\u003c\/i\u003e reveals the vast historical inadequacies of a psychiatric system that has yet to heal itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000792269036,"sku":"9781934137147","price":52.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/17439433482876.jpg?v=1763305400"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/darby-penney.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}