The Undesirables The Law That Locked Away a Generation
The Undesirables: The Law That Locked Away a Generation by Sarah Wise, published by Oneworld Publications in April 2025, explores a significant yet often overlooked chapter in British history. This 352-page book details how the British Government, through the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act, incarcerated over 50,000 individuals deemed ‘defective’ for reasons ranging from poverty to various health conditions. Wise employs meticulous archival research to illuminate the injustices faced by these individuals, who were forcibly removed from their families and hidden away in specialized facilities.
Readers will find a thorough examination of the societal attitudes towards class, gender, and disability that led to this widespread scandal. The Undesirables presents a compelling narrative that not only recounts the lives affected by this legislation but also reflects on its lasting impact on contemporary social policy. By focusing on the historical context and ethical implications, this book serves as an important resource for those interested in law, civil rights, and the evolution of societal norms regarding human rights.
Official synopsis Publisher
Through the early twentieth century, the British Government locked away over 50,000 innocent people. Their ‘crimes’? Being poor and unyielding. This is their story.
A HISTORY TODAY BOOK OF THE YEAR
‘Staggering… Wise’s book bristles with injustices.’ Sunday Telegraph, *****
By 1950, an estimated 50,000 people had been deemed ‘defective’ by the British government and detained indefinitely under the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act. Their ‘crimes’ were various: women with children born out of wedlock; rebellious teenagers caught shoplifting; those with epilepsy, hearing impairments and chronic illnesses who had struggled in school; and many who were simply ‘different’.
Forcibly removed from their families and confined to a shadow world of specialist facilities in the countryside, they were hidden away and forgotten – out of sight, out of mind.
Through painstaking archival research, award-winning historian Sarah Wise shines a light on this shameful chapter. Piecing together the lives irrevocably changed by this devastating legislation, The Undesirables provides a compelling study of how early twentieth-century attitudes to class, gender and disability resulted in a nationwide scandal – and how they continue to shape social policy to this day.
‘The heartrending stories Sarah Wise has unearthed beggar belief… beautifully researched and truly compelling.’ Catherine Bailey, author of Black Diamonds
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Undesirables The Law That Locked Away a Generation” about?
Who is the author of “The Undesirables The Law That Locked Away a Generation”?
When was “The Undesirables The Law That Locked Away a Generation” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Undesirables The Law That Locked Away a Generation”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
