Today, hypnotism is recognized as an effective therapeutic tool and its importance is growing. This book shows how hypnotism reached its present status of acceptance, through two centuries of pioneering effort by several fascinating personalities. Special emphasis is placed on the life and work of Dr. Milton H. Erickson, the foremost mid-20th century exponent of hypnotism and the acknowledged father of modern hypnotherapy. This is the first book to provide a thorough narrative and biographical account of hypnotism's progress from 1775 to the present day. In addition to the history of hypnotism from its shamanistic origins to the modern clinical applications of today, this book looks forward to still greater advances in the use of hypnosis for the relieving and blocking of pain, and in enhancing the human immune system.