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Collected Studies on the Dionne Quintuplets (Classics in child development)

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Most Canadians are very familiar with the tragic story of the Dionne Quintuplets, the 5 darlings of the depression era. I have always been fascinated about all aspects of their lives. But never have I read a book about them which demonstrated just how sad their lives really were. This is not a narrative or biographical review of the Dionnes. Rather, it is a collection of the records of various observations and experments done on the children who, in my opinion, became not only the human interest story of the century, but also laboratory rats. Here, you will find palm and foot prints,photographic studies, and charts detailing eveything from feedings and growth, to play times and trips to the washroom. As you read through the various studies, you will enter the sterile and restricted hospital which was their home in their first years and beyond. You will quickly come to realize why these little girls had such trouble adjusting to family life as well as society in general. This book is for anyone who is able to look past the pretty and fascinating pictures of 5 identical baby girls and see the truth beyond the headlines and government propoganda. It's not an easy read, but the Blatz studies shed much light on attitudes of the day concerning not only child rearing but also the supposed well treatment of our "National Treasures".