The Illustrated History of Hypnotism: From Franz Anton Mesmer to Milton H. Erickson
Monday, May 4, 2009 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!
The Illustrated History of Hypnotism: From Franz Anton Mesmer to Milton H. Erickson
National Guild of Hypnotists, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9781885846143
Reviewed by for Reader Views (1/09)
Reader Comments (1)
This is an exceptional book and should be on every professional hypnotists bookshelf.
It really does cover the history of hypnosis in quite some depth, and while the book covers the major (and many minor) milestones in hypnosis, the book left me feeling that the author has much much more knowledge on the subject than the material covered in the book.
On a personal note, I would like to have seen much more on Dave Elman, probably my favourite (deceased) hypnotist this century, and who is underrated (in my opinion that is) by the general hypnosis community.
While the main history of hypnosis is dutifully covered, I found so many new and interesting facts that were new to me, many of which were eye opening.
This is the first "history" book that I have found difficult to put down. I found the details included fascinating and I read it from cover to cover in less than a week. And then I re-read it again.
In comparison, I am also in the middle of reading another recently published (200() book on the history of hypnosis. So far, I'm only half way through and it has taken me around 5 months to get that far.
I think John Hughes has done a brilliant job on this book.
I look forward to the day that he publishes a book on Dave Elman (OK, this last bit is meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek, but still, it would be nice).
As I mentioned at the start, I think that every professional hypnotists should have a copy of this book and more importantly, read it. I will even stretch my neck out and say that I think that this book should be on the mandatory reading list for hypnosis courses.
Steve