The Mask of Sanity

An Attempt to Clarify Some Issues About the So-Called Psychopathic Personality

De: Hervey Cleckley

Narrado por: Scott R. Pollak

Although highly controversial, Hervey Cleckley's Mask of Sanity provides one of the most influential clinical descriptions of psychopathy in the 20th century. At the crux of his argument, Cleckley claims that many psychopathic personalities go undiagnosed because they maintain a social mask that conceals their mental disorder and enables them to blend in with society. Furthermore, many of these affected individuals appear to function normally in accordance with standard psychiatric criteria.

Intent on detecting and diagnosing the elusive psychopath, Cleckley has compiled an assortment of case studies and offers suggestions for palliative care. This ambitious work aims to define and examine every aspect of this abstract state of being. Ultimately, Cleckley refines the term "psychopath" and strips it of stigmatization.

This classic has transformed the psychiatric definition of sanity and continues to provide insight on American society and psychological introspection. This audio edition is expertly narrated by Scott Pollak.

Content Note: This audiobook is an exact reading of the original text as it was first published in 1941. The content and language have not been altered to reflect cultural shifts since the book's writing and as such may be jarring or upsetting. We encourage listeners to skip, fast forward, or listen with a critical ear as they deem appropriate for themselves.

Public Domain (P)2020 Echo Point Books & Media, LLC

Dated but worth the listen

First of all, I love that this audiobook begins by acknowledging how outdated some of the thinking is and makes it clear things have since changed. I love that, in addition to the warning, it challenges the reader to either avoid certain chapters OR go in with a critical ear. I chose the latter and, despite how offensive the chapter was, glad I did. It also makes sure to remind the listener of the warning just before the chapter starts. This is a great starting point for those interested in psychology and it opens the door to want to learn more.

Respectable and comprehensive.

This is simply a staple for those who find abnormal psychic structures interesting if not clinically pivotal constructs regarding forensic psychology and psychiatry. Cleckley has left the world a substantial piece of the puzzle.

An Amazing Book that Holds Up Well Over the Years

Utterly fascinating. The writing is brilliant.

I listened in vain for the reason Audible had the Big Fat Warning about the chapter on homosexuals. The only thing I can tell that triggered such an absurd warning is the use of the word deviant.

Obviously, the people at Audible don’t know anything about science, so here’s a primer: astronauts, presidents, saints, hot dog-eating champions, Patrick Mahomes, and best-selling audio books are all deviants. That is, they deviate from the norm. That also includes homosexuals, bank robbers, non-smokers who die from lung cancer, people who live 112 years, and organic beef that tastes good.

Nice job, Audible, of sticking a warning label to a book. So original. And so stupid. You just make people more interested in reading something you don’t want them to.

Wow, just wow!

Long, dense at times, and absolutely fascinating! This is the most complete look at the individual and societal problem of psychopaths.

Your view of humankind will never be the same after reading this book.

What ARE we going to do about it??

A whole new outlook

Having always been fond of true crime and criminal psychology works I was skeptical this book would further my knowledge/curiosity of the deviant nature of people. I was pleasantly wrong, the first handful of chapters while a bit tedious were more than necessary to truly grasp what falls through the cracks. The rest of the book is evidence of that, Id rather not divulge too much in this review but instead keep it a mystery in hopes it'll convince you to give this book the read it so deserves. Solid 9/10 Honestly