Ten Days in a Madhouse

Written by Nellie Bly

A young reporter fakes madness to expose how women are treated inside an asylum.

76 pages

$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1887, reporter Nellie Bly pretended to be insane so she would be committed to the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island in New York. Her account of ten days inside describes cruel treatment, spoiled food, and freezing rooms, and her reporting led to reforms in the care of people with mental illness.

From the publisher

Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly is a groundbreaking work of investigative journalism that offers a harrowing look inside the conditions of 19th-century mental asylums. Disguising herself as a patient, Bly gains admittance to the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island, where she witnesses firsthand the mistreatment and abuse of the women confined there.Through her courageous and daring undercover work, Bly exposes the inhumane practices and neglectful treatment that were rampant in these institutions. Her compelling account not only led to significant reforms in the care of the mentally ill but also showcased the power of journalism to effect change.This riveting narrative is a testament to Nellie Bly's bravery and determination to shed light on the dark corners of society, making Ten Days in a Madhouse a timeless classic of investigative reporting.

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