Empire of Skulls: Phrenology, the Fowler Family, and a New Nation's Quest to Unlock the Secrets of the Mind
It is something of a shame that Stob, who has crafted a thoroughly researched and intriguing work, does not delve into any doubts the Fowlers must have had ... The greatest flaw of the book is its refusal to consider that these men, who trafficked in their theories to great financial success, may not have always been as well intentioned as Stob charitably imagines.
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Due to its lack of actual scientific value, phrenology is now dismissed as an oddity, but Stob sheds light on the complexity of the movement’s narrative. More than a tale of misguidance and gullibility, Empire of Skulls is an exploration of the lengths we’ll go in the name of self-improvement.
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Captivating, well-researched ... One might think a history of bumps on skulls sounds like dry reading, but this is a fascinating, entertaining, and enlightening work ... Perfect for readers interested in medical or psychological history.
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