Conjoined Twins: A Historical, Biological And Ethical Issues Encyclopedia [Paperback]

Christine Quigley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2006 | ISBN-10: 078642852X | ISBN-13: 978-0786428526

When two human ova fail to fully separate during pregnancy, the result is conjoined twins. The twins may be connected by ligament, bone, or just flesh, and they often share organs, but what captures most people’s interest is whether the twins share sensations, thoughts and even souls. This encyclopedia presents entries on conjoined twins throughout history, the biological causes and effects of twins being born conjoined, and ethical issues such as self-support and separation surgery. It also includes entries on the modern standardized terminology used when discussing conjoined twins, the categories into which conjoined twins have been sorted, doctors past and present who have performed separation surgeries, and hospitals, such as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, that are known for the separation of conjoined twins. This book even covers fraudulent conjoined twins and fictional ones in books written by such authors as Mark Twain, Vladimir Nabakov, and Katherine Dunn. Other entries cover relevant films, websites, and institutions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An intriguing, unusual survey” --Midwest Book Review

“A useful reference” --ARBA

“A global perspective...annotations are frequently detailed...comprehensive index...photographs and illustrations included accentuate the text...recommended” --E-Streams

About the Author

Christine Quigley is Assistant Director for Academic Affairs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University. She is also the author of Skulls and Skeletons (2001), Modern Mummies (1998), The Corpse (1996), and Death Dictionary (1994). She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (August 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078642852X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786428526
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,642,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)