The Danger of Words

1973. First edition. xvi, 141pp. Maurice O'Connor Drury (1907-1976) was an Irish psychiatrist, best known for his accounts of his conversations, and close friendship, with the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. He lectured medical students on psychology in Trinity College and the Royal College of Surgeons. The Danger of Words is his only book, and has been described by Ray Monk as "in its attitudes and concerns, more truly Wittgensteinian" than almost any other book published by one of Wittgenstein's students. Drury brought Wittgenstein's "critique of language" to bear on the practice of medicine, and particularly psychology that promised the same control over the mind that physics achieved with matter. This promise, pointed out Drury, was one where the delivery date was always being pushed into the future. The book is bound in the original red boards with black titling on the spine. The case of the book is in excellent condition and the contents are tight and clean. Previous owner's name (Wittgenstein Scholar Peter Lewis) and date on the ffep. The unclipped dustwrapper has some shelf wear with light soiling.…