Benjamin Rush and John Minson Galt, II. Pioneers of bibliotherapy in America

The history of bibliotherapy in America goes back at least to the early part of the nineteenth century. Benjamin Rush was one of the first Americans to recommend the use of bibliotherapy; John Minson Galt, II, was the first American to write an article on the subject. Reading was considered one of the best therapeutic measures in treating mental patients, and by the middle of the nineteenth century every major mental hospital had a patients' library; many were quite extensive. Newspapers and periodicals were supplied in great numbers, and the works of Sir Walter Scott enjoyed great popularity.