Observations on Madness and Melancholy by John Haslam is an authoritative work on madness, insanity and melancholy - terms that are used in the pejorative in most circumstances. Haslam provides the definitions, symptoms and observations for these medical conditions. The unique characteristic of this book lies in its ability to provide a clear understanding of madness as a disease and giving it a concrete form by bringing it out of the abstract. The title is spread across 18 sections which provide in depth analysis of mental conditions. The sections dealing with specific cases are particularly enlightening as they illustrate situations and circumstances that most readers will find interesting. The format of this book departs from run of the mill textbook approaches commonly found in books dealing with medicine which makes it an easy read for casual enthusiasts too. Observations on Madness and Melancholy dwells on various aspects related to our mental faculties. The chapters focussing on causes of insanity form the core content for this book. Haslam makes it a point to keep the language as sanguine and simplistic as possible even though the topic at hand is steeped in medical jargon and terminology. The author ends with detailed insights regarding management and remedies for insanity. Therefore, this title is not purely tautological but inspirational and motivating for those who might identify with the issues discussed in this book.