About the Author

Roy Porter (1946—2002) was professor of the history of medicine at University College, London. His books include Blood and Guts, The Creation of the Modern World, Flesh in the Age of Reason, and The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Award.

Reviews

"[Porter's] perceptiveness is, as usual, scalpel-sharp; his manner genially bedside; his erudition invigorating."
*Simon Schama*

"To combine enormous knowledge with a delightful style and a highly idiosyncratic point of view is Roy Porter's special gift, and it makes [this] book…alive and fascinating and provocative on every page."
*Oliver Sacks, M.D.*

"A learned, lively history of medicine…merits a broad lay readership in addition to med students."
*Kirkus Reviews*

"Porter's magisterial chronicle of medical thinking and practice deserves the popularity of his bestselling London: A Social History…Written with storytelling flair and erudition, this study will be of interest to laypersons and professionals alike."
*Publishers Weekly*

"[Porter's] perceptiveness is, as usual, scalpel-sharp; his manner genially bedside; his erudition invigorating." -- Simon Schama
"To combine enormous knowledge with a delightful style and a highly idiosyncratic point of view is Roy Porter's special gift, and it makes [this] book...alive and fascinating and provocative on every page." -- Oliver Sacks, M.D.
"A learned, lively history of medicine...merits a broad lay readership in addition to med students." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Porter's magisterial chronicle of medical thinking and practice deserves the popularity of his bestselling London: A Social History...Written with storytelling flair and erudition, this study will be of interest to laypersons and professionals alike." -- Publishers Weekly