'This is a splendid book. It explores the representations of sanity and insanity through the eighteenth century with meticulous attention to historical specificities, and with a keen eye for philosophical and conceptual issues that arise whenever we raise the question of how we adjudicate matters related to insanity...Throughout, the work is intellectually extremely distinguisted, provocative, and stimulating.' - Thomas Docherty, Modern Language Review 'By virtue of its collection of historical detail and close readings of individual texts and prints, this work will reward anyone interested in the topic.' - Frank Boyle, The Scriblerian