Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient [Paperback]

Norman Cousins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 2005

The best-selling, groundbreaking classic by Norman Cousins on combating life-threatening illness through humor and patient participation in care.

Anatomy of an Illness was the first book by a patient that spoke to our current interest in taking charge of our own health. It started the revolution in patients working with their doctors and using humor to boost their bodies' capacity for healing. When Norman Cousins was diagnosed with a crippling and irreversible disease, he forged an unusual collaboration with his physician, and together they were able to beat the odds. The doctor's genius was in helping his patient to use his own powers: laughter, courage, and tenacity. The patient's talent was in mobilizing his body's own natural resources, proving what an effective healing tool the mind can be. This remarkable story of the triumph of the human spirit is truly inspirational reading.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Amazing and heartening. -- Chicago Sun-Times

An entertaining and instructive example of an inspired participation of a patient in his own treatment. -- Washington Post

About the Author

Norman Cousins was a longtime editor of the Saturday Review and the author of eleven books on health and healing, among other works.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (July 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393326845
• ISBN-13: 978-0393326840
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient by Cousins, May 13, 2004

By 

Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient (Paperback)

This work contains numerous strategies aimed at maintaining
health into the far future. For instance, the author explains
how cancer occurs more frequently in patients with significant
grief, anger or fear in their daily lives. He indicates the
importance of physician contact with the patient. The importance
of a balanced diet is articulated. The author decries poor
nutrition in some hospitals . i.e. white bread and bleached flour
Specific medical tests are referenced i.e. SED RATE
The sed rate is the speed with which red blood cells settle in a test tube measured in milli-liters~ severity of inflammation.
He explains the importance of Vitamin C in collagen maintenance.
This work would be valuable for any middle-age or elderly person
seeking to maintain health far into the future.

62 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Started the mind-body revolution -- still relevant, January 4, 2004

By 

David Spero "David Spero RN" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient (Paperback)

This book revolutionized the way Americans think about health and health care. Diagnosed with a life-threatening and incurable condition, Cousins checked himself out of the hospital and basically healed himself with laughter, rest and Vitamin C. A few years later, he recovered from a major heart attack on his own and wrote about that, too.

These books jump-started the whole field of mind-body medicine. Hundreds of books have followed in its tradition, including mine, The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness. Anatomy of an Illness holds up well. I just re-read it and it's still relevant.

Not everything here will apply to most readers, because Cousins was a major cultural figure with many physicians among his friends. Not everyone would have his self-confidence or his sources of support. But his ideas and his approach are more needed than ever today.

David Spero RN www.art-of-getting-well.com

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outlook and attitudes help Alzheimer's caregivers, August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient (Paperback)

Norman Cousins examines such topics as creativity and humor as being essential to treatment. Important to anyone touched by chronic illness. This was one of the first books my husband Tom and I read when we found out he had Alzheimer's disease. It was one I found particularly helpful in meeting the demands and changes Tom's illness imposed on me. It is a book that talks about outlook and attitudes and taking charge of one's life.