Is this book still useful today?

As history and background, yes. It shows how anorexia was understood and treated in the early 1980s. For current diagnosis or treatment, use modern clinical sources instead.

Who is the book written for?

It is aimed at general readers, including families and friends of people with anorexia, rather than at clinicians. The language is accessible and the focus is on understanding the illness and the path to recovery.

Does it cover recovery, or only the illness?

The title and scope include treatment and recovery, so it discusses both the condition and the process of getting better. The approach reflects 1980s practice, which differs from today's evidence-based care.

Is it a good first book on anorexia?

It can work as an introduction to how thinking about anorexia evolved. Pair it with a current, clinically reviewed book if you need practical guidance.

It is a paperback in English, first released in 1983. Check the edition details before buying, since older titles are sometimes reissued with new introductions.