In the middle of the twentieth century, medical advancements like anticonvulsant drugs and electroencephalograms promised new possibilities for managing seizures. At the same time, people with epilepsy were navigating a complex medical landscape and enduring social prejudice. In Secrecy and Safety, historian Rachel Elder presents a deeply researched history of epilepsy and the stories of individuals grappling with the dual burden of living with an unpredictable condition and concealing it to avoid stigma.

While new treatments offered the hope of control, the era's emphasis on personal responsibility reinforced a culture of secrecy around disability. Epilepsy became an "invisible" condition―manageable in public life but requiring constant vigilance and self-regulation. This thought-provoking study examines case studies that reveal how postwar beliefs about control and normalcy shaped perceptions of disability and identity. Rooted in rich historical research, Secrecy and Safety is the first comprehensive examination of epilepsy during this pivotal period.

By examining the societal pressures placed on individuals to perform health and manage risk, Elder offers a compelling lens through which to understand broader questions of autonomy, visibility, and belonging in modern America. Secrecy and Safety reconsiders the narratives that define chronic illness and the enduring quest for control in the face of uncertainty.

About the Author

Rachel Elder is a historian of science, medicine, technology, and disability in American culture.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Speedy Hen
Unit 1 Falcon Park, Neasden Lane, London, NW10 1RZ, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	60 to 60 business days	60 to 60 business days
First item	US$ 55.51	US$ 58.22

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.