Books by Charles E. Rosenberg

"In some ways disease does not exist until we have agreed that it does, by perceiving, naming, and responding to it, " writes Charles E. Rosenberg in his introduction to this stimulating set of essays. Disease is both a biological event and a social phenomenon.

By analyzing the trial of Charles Guiteau, who assassinated US President Garfield in 1881, this text explores insanity and criminal responsibility in the late-19th century. Although the role of genetics in behaviour had been accepted, the trial debated whether heredity influenced Guiteau's actions.