The Geography of Madness
The Geography of Madness
Frank Bures
Ben Carlson
One of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. - Ben Carlson
Ramit Sethi
One of the most provocative books I’ve read. - Ramit Sethi
+
2
All books

The Geography of Madness

The Geography of Madness: Penis Thieves, Voodoo Death, and the Search for the Meaning of the World's Strangest Syndromes

Frank Bures
By
Frank Bures
3.4
86
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Geography of Madness," Frank Bures embarks on an extraordinary journey into the heart of human belief, exploring the curious phenomenon of "culture-bound" syndromes. With a narrative as compelling as it is enlightening, Bures takes us from the bustling markets of Nigeria, where men fear the mysterious theft of their genitals, to the serene landscapes of Thailand, exploring the boundaries where culture and psychology intersect. This riveting exploration is not just about the peculiarities of specific communities; it's a profound look at the universal power of belief and the astonishing effects our convictions can have on our health and reality. Through his adventures, Bures challenges us to question the very nature of reality, sanity, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Crafted with the intrigue of a mystery and the depth of a scientific expedition, Bures's narrative is an invitation to consider the madness inherent in our global tapestry of cultures. "The Geography of Madness" is more than a travelogue; it is a deep dive into the human psyche, revealing the thin lines between belief and madness, health and disease. As Bures travels the world, he not only uncovers the fascinating history of culture-bound syndromes but also reflects on the Western perspective, pushing readers to ponder how their own beliefs shape their reality. This book is a testament to the strange and wondrous power of the human mind, a thrilling adventure into the unknown territories of human belief and a compelling argument for the interconnectedness of culture and health.

Read more
Released
2016
26 Apr
Length
241
Pages

2

recommendations

recommendation

One of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. - Ben Carlson
One of the most provocative books I’ve read. - Ramit Sethi
— Frank Bures, The Geography of Madness

Similar recommendations

View all
Sapiens
Sapiens
Yuval Noah Harari
32
people
person
Thinking, Fast and Slow
19
people
person
How to Change Your Mind
15
people
person
The Better Angels of Our Nature
13
people
person
Endurance
Endurance
Alfred Lansing
12
people
person
The Art Of War
12
people
person
Outliers
Outliers
Malcolm Gladwell
11
people
person
Bird by Bird
Bird by Bird
Anne Lamott
10
people
person
Finite and Infinite Games
10
people
person
Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates
10
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!