Claude Msing Around: Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis [Paperback]

John Mythen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1990 | ISBN-10: 0969445709 | ISBN-13: 978-0969445708

MS patient John Mythen, creator of the worldfamous cartoon "Claude," and five medical experts provide helpful information for people with multiple sclerosis and their families and friends.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Mythen is a professional cartoonist, writer, lecturer and teacher. Twenty five years ago, John was the picture of good health,teaching fashion illustration and coaching soccer to a feisty bunch of school kids in his spare time.

Then suddenly, he developed symptoms that brought him to a shuddering halt. He began to stumble, lose control of his muscles, and found himself exhausted after performing even simple tasks. A trip to the doctor turned up Multiple Sclerosis.

The news came like a punch in the gut. John,than forty, had never even contemplated what it would be like to have a disability, let alone face an uncertain future, and perhaps the end of a successful career as a cartoonist. But there was Claude, the lovable cartoon pooch who always gets the better of his superiors;John's constant companion and friend. During the 60's many readers enjoyed Claude in numerous British publications. Don't friends always share? So John gave MS to Claude, put the pooch in a wheelchair, and sublimated his own frustrations by depicting his canine "patient" in all kinds of hilarious situations created by MS handicaps.

Claude now rides in a scooter, as does John. Side-by-side, Claude fights John's battles and in doing so, reminds us all that disabled people are not invisible, that their frustrations are real, and that warm laughter and a little understanding can work wonders.

John and Claude have for many years now been active as a contributor to the MS Society worldwide. His "Claude" cartoons and articles have appeared in many publications, including the International Federation's twice yearly magazine, Update. John has attended a number of international MS conferences as a motivational and educational speaker. He has also conducted workshops, and helped in numerous MS campaigns and events.

One of his remarkable achievements was the writing of his book "Claude: MSing around,Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis", a very warm, human and often humorous story of his own battle with MS and how he has learned to cope.

John, originally from Liverpool, England, now resides in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and continues to keep busy as a cartoonist and a writer. He remains active enjoying his grandchildren, swimming, water/snow skiing, sailing and scootering around with his companion "Claude", and continues to turn to his artistic talent for comedic relief.

Product Details

• Paperback: 138 pages
• Publisher: Gordon Soules Book Pub (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0969445709
• ISBN-13: 978-0969445708
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,207,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book doesn't MeSs around!, January 11, 2000

By 

"anniecats" (Wales, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claude Msing Around: Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis (Paperback)

Having read a number of books about Multiple Sclerosis, I was very impressed with this one. Not only does it destroy some of the frightening myths surrounding the illness, it provides practical ways of coping with some of the problems it brings. All of this is done with humour, and illustrated with fun cartoons of Claude, 'the dog with MS'! Fun aside however, the author, John Mythen, is not afraid to discuss some of the more sensitive aspects of dealing with MS, such as urinary and sexual problems, which he gives full and frank coverage. If you have been diagnosed with MS, or have had indications that you soon may be, then I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is well-written, informative, straightforward,...and fun to read, and you can't say that about many books dealing with Multiple Sclerosis!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent Book, September 28, 1999

By 

"z-diversion" (Surrey, Great Britain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claude Msing Around: Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis (Paperback)

I have bought 2 copies (one for a friend too). It is an excellent book. And the cartoons are great. I have commended it to my MS branch to buy a copy for loan and informed other branch members through the newsletter with this line:

BOOK : CLAUDE MSing AROUND - John Mythen ISBN 0-9694457-0-9

The author, a British-born Canadian, has MS and is a cartoonist. The book is a great read and ideal for those newly-diagnosed or volunteers wanting to know something about MS. It combines a good summary of essential information combined with humorous cartoons to give you a lift. Definitely should be in our branch bookshop available for loan with our other books and videos.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great humor from a terrific fellow., October 11, 1999

By 

Ron Snyder ([e-mail]) (St. Louis, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claude Msing Around: Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis (Paperback)

I have enjoyed John's cartoons and terrific attitude for months now, since first meeting him via the World Wide Web. I have ordered enough of his books now to give them to many of my friends and family members who have experienced the many sides of multiple sclerosis first hand with me. Yes, my hat is off to John!