BOOK REVIEW by Megan Bland AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: 1847-2000 by Joseph Mehr, Ph.D is an exquisite collection of writing and imagery on the history of mental health in Illinois and beyond. It is not only informational, but well written. Anyone with even the slightest interest in the history of mental health or the state hospital system would most certainly enjoy this book. Dr. Mehr has provided his readers with an extensive collection of images visually detailing the history of mental health. A collection that has yet to be rivaled by any other publication. The images, many of which have never been seen, fill the book and are well synchronized with the text and chronological order of the book. Dr. Mehr gives his readers a brief and interesting background on the history of Illinois and important information as to the origins of the mental health system. He segues beautifully and coherently into the the history of each "state hospital or asylum" while keeping true to the chronology and historical events. (Something I feel is lacking in many books.) This book is not a boring history book nor is it written in such a way that only a historian could read it and understand or enjoy. This book is an excellent read with a stunning collection of imagery. I would highly recommend it to anyone.