Behind the Walls - Shadows of New England’s Asylums * Asylum Architecture, History, Preservation * Kirkbride Buildings

Kirkbride Buildings Blog

May 1st, 2009

Behind the Walls - Shadows of New England’s Asylums

Behind the Walls - Shadows of New England's Asylums book cover
There’s a new book out by photographer Katherine Anderson featuring photographs of several former New England asylums, including the Kirkbide buildings in Danvers, Worcester, and Northampton, Massachusetts. In addition to the pictures, the book also contains an extensive history of mental illness and asylums as well as “feeble-mindedness” and the state school system. The book is called Behind the Walls - Shadows of New England’s Asylums and you can preview (and purchase) it here: Behind the Walls.

Discussion

WSH May 1, 2009, 2:29 pm

Seems a little pricey for the hardcover. I think I’ll get it though as it looks very good. Has anyone seen it firsthand themselves?
Kate May 1, 2009, 7:59 pm

WSH- It is pricey. I’m not thrilled with the pricing but if you order it off of my website (www.katebroderickphotography.com) instead of from Blurb, you’ll get a signed copy if that’s any consolation. Those who have bought it so far are happy with the quality. The only thing I can say is the spine text got cut off by the image on the cover. Honestly, get the softcover. It’s just as nice and a little cheaper.
WSH May 4, 2009, 9:29 am

Thanks Kate, I expect I’ll be ordering one very soon.
Kate May 5, 2009, 11:23 am

Great! I hope you enjoy it!
JOHN May 28, 2009, 5:05 pm

Are there any asylums/ hospitals that aren’t demolished?? i would love to visit one if there was no security? know of any in new england?

thanks,

john.
Valerie June 5, 2009, 4:15 pm

Do you have any pictures etc. on Fernald State School?

Thanks
Kate July 15, 2009, 9:24 pm

I do have an extensive Fernald section. And John, I’ll be in touch!
Carol Lincoln September 28, 2009, 9:33 am

I just learned about your book from the information sent to me by the Elms for Homecoming weekend. I am very interested in reading this book. After graduating from the Elms I worked first as a Social Work consultant in the Medical Unit at Belchertown State School, and then as a Senior Social Worker at Monson Developmental Center in Hodskins, which was the children’s unit. Do you dicuss either of these institutions in your book?
Carol Lincoln, Elms 76′