HISTORY OF BIBLIOTHERAPY

Throughout history, dating back to ancient times, the concept of   growth through reading is evident from various writings. Although the value of books had long been recognized,the underlying concept of  Bibliotherapy was not formally identified until the twentieth century.

Among the first professional people in America to set the tone for Bibliotherapy were two physicians, Benjamin Rush in 1815 and John  Minson Gait II in 1853. They recommended reading as part of a  patient’s treatment plan. In 1904,it became recognized as an aspect of  librarian ship, and the firstpartnership between librarian-ship and  psychiatry began at the McLean Hospital in Waverly, Massachusetts.    Other professionals, such as educatorsand psychologists, became  interested in the subject.

During the next several decades numerous articles were published on Bibliotherapy. Although much of the writing indicated uncertainty and speculation about the new concept, a definite trend toward expansion  was obvious.The exploration of new approaches was…