The paper reflects on the epistolary dynamics within the Italian asylum system over a vast chronological span, from the Unification of Italy to the deinstitutionalisation started by Franco Basaglia (1861-1978). The aim is to investigate the role of mail as both an integral part of therapy and proof of diagnosis, depending on the medical ap- proach and internal regulations of the various institutions. The research explores the complexity of the internal sorting systems and the censorship exercised by directors, which frequently resulted in letters being “kept” in medical files, thus denying patients their only remaining bridge to the outside world. In addition to administrative correspondence and “letters to the powerful” written by patients seeking freedom, the study examines the exceptional case of the internal post office at the Volterra psychiatric hospital, operational between 1933 and 1945. Ultimately, the analysis seeks to shift the focus from the text to the context of transmission, highlighting the social function of mail in maintaining a dialogue between the total institution and civil society.
Spostati. Riflessioni sulle comunicazioni postali nel sistema manicomiale italiano. 1861-1978
GRAZIANO MAMONE
2026-01-01
Abstract
The paper reflects on the epistolary dynamics within the Italian asylum system over a vast chronological span, from the Unification of Italy to the deinstitutionalisation started by Franco Basaglia (1861-1978). The aim is to investigate the role of mail as both an integral part of therapy and proof of diagnosis, depending on the medical ap- proach and internal regulations of the various institutions. The research explores the complexity of the internal sorting systems and the censorship exercised by directors, which frequently resulted in letters being “kept” in medical files, thus denying patients their only remaining bridge to the outside world. In addition to administrative correspondence and “letters to the powerful” written by patients seeking freedom, the study examines the exceptional case of the internal post office at the Volterra psychiatric hospital, operational between 1933 and 1945. Ultimately, the analysis seeks to shift the focus from the text to the context of transmission, highlighting the social function of mail in maintaining a dialogue between the total institution and civil society.
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