The Soul of Medicine: An Anthology of Illness and Healing Book

Illness, particularly serious or life threatening illness, opens up the heart and mind in a way that is unimaginable to people who have perhaps never before had to face the possibility of death or disease in either themselves or a loved one, bringing with it emotional reactions varying from fear, denial, and anger alongside new, profound and, often, life-changing perspectives. The Soul of Medicine, a powerful anthology of thoughts and writings from different ages and cultures, examines how illness affects the soul, burying as deep as the physical symptoms and often burdening the patient and those around them with unbearable emotional pain. By drawing on the words and experiences of a spectacular array of luminaries ranging from Plato, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf and Carl Jung to the thoughts of neurologists Oliver Sacks and surgeon Richard Seltzer, Peter Adams delves into the true meaning of sickness, choosing sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, sometimes spiritual and sometimes shocking pieces to examine specific afflictions ranging from cancer to the common cold. In doing so, Adams gives those suffering from any form of illness a stimulating--if not always easy-to-swallow--taste of how those who truly dare to face up to what is happening to them have the opportunity to reassess their lives and attitudes and discover new and surprising strengths within themselves and those around them. As either a "dip-into" book to help give a sense of meaning--or simply a different perspective--to personal conditions, or as a serious study of the effect of illness on the soul, The Soul of Medicine is a truly fascinating and inspirational book which encourages understanding and acceptance in those facing the ultimate fear. --Susan HarrisonRead More