Product guide

The Mask of Sanity: Psychopathy and the So-Called Psychopathic Personality

So-Called Psychopathic Personality: The Mask of Sanity by Hervey Cleckley presents a clinical account of psychopathy through case studies and discussion of how affected people may appear to function normally. This Kindle edition is a substantial 837-page text, suited to readers seeking an in-depth, historically influential treatment rather than a brief introduction.

At a glance

Examines psychopathy and the idea that some people may conceal psychological disturbance behind a socially ordinary presentation.
Uses case studies and offers discussion of diagnosis and care.
The listing describes the work as influential and highly controversial.

Price

$3.99Save 78%

Reference price: ~~$17.99~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Case studies give readers examples alongside the book's clinical discussion.
Screen Reader support, Word Wise, and Page Flip are listed as available Kindle features.

Cons

At 837 pages, this is a lengthy and detailed read rather than a concise overview.

Technical specifications

11 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Echo Point Books & Media
Publication date	September 27, 2020
Language	English
Print length	837 pages
ISBN-13	978-1648370069

Kindle edition
File size	6.7 MB
Screen Reader	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	Enabled
X-Ray	Not Enabled
Word Wise	Enabled
Page Flip	Enabled

What to know before buying

The publisher describes the book as highly controversial. Its clinical framing reflects the work presented in this edition and should not be treated as current diagnostic guidance or a substitute for professional assessment.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers studying historical clinical writing on psychopathy.
Readers interested in case-based psychological discussion and the history of personality concepts.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a short, introductory overview.
Readers looking for current professional diagnostic guidance or personalized clinical advice.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 336 ratings

5 stars71%71%
4 stars13%13%
3 stars11%11%
2 stars1%1%
1 star4%4%

Customer feedback describes the book as a classic and says its content helps illuminate psychopathy, with case studies singled out as informative. That makes its detailed, 837-page case-based approach relevant to readers who want depth, though the positive overall rating cannot establish how useful or current its clinical ideas are for a particular reader.

Positive themes

Customers describe the book as informative and value its discussion of psychopathy.
The customer summary specifically notes that readers find the case studies enlightening.

Frequently asked questions

What topics does The Mask of Sanity cover?

The listing describes a clinical examination of psychopathy, including case studies, the possibility of concealed symptoms, diagnosis, and care.

Is this a short introduction to psychopathy?

No. The listed Kindle edition has a print length of 837 pages, making it a substantial read.

What Kindle reading features are listed?

Screen Reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are enabled. X-Ray is not enabled.

Is the book presented as uncontroversial clinical guidance?

No. The listing explicitly calls it highly controversial. Treat it as a work about clinical ideas, not as a substitute for current professional guidance.