Two Years and Four Months in a Lunatic Asylum: From August 20th, 1863 to December 20th, 1865

Published in 1868, 'Two Years and Four Months in a Lunatic Asylum' is a personal narrative by Hiram Chase, detailing his experiences as a patient in the Utica lunatic asylum. The book provides a critical examination of the treatment and conditions faced by mentally ill patients during the 19th century, as Chase recounts his descent from a respected minister to an inmate. Through his reflections, he highlights the misconceptions surrounding mental illness and the harsh realities of institutional life, aiming to shed light on the often misunderstood nature of asylums.