How Long to Read Descent into Darkness

How Long Does it Take to Read Descent into Darkness?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 24 minutes to read Descent into Darkness by Richard D. Chessick M.D. Ph.D.

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

This book is unique because it presents a thorough coverage of the psychodynamics of mental illness in the form of a novel. The characters engage on a trip to Europe beginning in Chicago and proceed to Ankara, Berlin, Cappadocia, Hattusas, Ephesus, Pergamum, Troy, Istanbul, and Milan. The reason for the novel form is that the author feels the fullest understanding of the human psyche requires a dialogue between science and the humanities. The basic plot of the novel is that Martin, an aging Chicago psychoanalyst receives a grant to lead an educational tour. He centers it on Turkey in order to build on Freud's metaphor of the mind being similar to archeological layers where what is new is built on and incorporates the remnants of the past. The party of five couples, a collection of mental health professionals, academics, spouses, and others provide living examples of the psychopathology also articulated in the numerous lectures Martin delivers on the tour. So they inadvertantly serve as clinical examples. At the same time the personal internal sufferings of Martin are described, beginning with his infatuation with a patient and ending with a serious psychosomatic condition, illustrating how psychological problems can lead to the development and exaserbation of such illnesses. Woven into the dramatic stories and lectures are references to philosophers, psychiatrists, novelists, historians, play writers, composers, artists, and ancient writers, as well as historical dissertations that illustrate the weaving of one strata of human and social development upon another. There is a discussion of training of therapists and treatment procedures, based on a profound empathy and deep concern for the mental suffering and pain that can characterize the human condition. The conclusion of the novel has a clever twist that drives the messages of the novel directly to the reader. This is a book to read for fun and adventure, but also teaches a great deal; the author is an internationally known author, teacher, lecturer,and clinician and offers it here in an unusual and dramatic way.

How long is Descent into Darkness?

Descent into Darkness by Richard D. Chessick M.D. Ph.D. is 262 pages long, and a total of 66,024 words.

This makes it 88% the length of the average book. It also has 81% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Descent into Darkness Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours to read Descent into Darkness aloud.

What Reading Level is Descent into Darkness?

Descent into Darkness is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Descent into Darkness?

Descent into Darkness by Richard D. Chessick M.D. Ph.D. is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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