Doctor Rat [Paperback]

William Kotzwinkle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1983

As the grant-supported, knowledgeable survivor of the most refined scientific experiments, Doctor Rat, Ph.D., dedicates himself to defending mankind against the worldwide rebellions, uprisings, and insurgencies of his fellow animals.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This duo from 1976 and 1989, respectively, are both farces in their own way, except one is dead serious and the other dead funny. Dr. Rat (LJ 7/76) is a cry against animal experimentation told from the point of view of a veteran lab rat. The Midnight Examiner (LJ 4/1/89) follows the motley editorial staff of a tabloid including a bevy of sleazy reporters and a blowgun-wielding publisher.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (July 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380639904
• ISBN-13: 978-0380639908
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,552,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Kotzwinkle is a celebrated satirist in the US as well as being author of several favourite books, including ET the Extra-Terrestrial and of course, the New York Times listed bestselling Walter the Farting Dog. He lives on an island off the east coast of America.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Eye-Opening Shocker Filled With Cold Realism, March 31, 2001

By 

Michael Delaware - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dr. Rat (Paperback)

Dr. Rat is an expose' on mankind's cruelty to other forms of life around him, most specifically the animal kingdom. This book is an indictment of animal experimental laboratories, slaughter houses, poaching and hunting. Kotzwinkle uses a fast talking insane rodent to portray a macabre view of the inside of an animal experimentation laboratory grotesquely similar to a Nazi concentration camp. In the words of Dr. Rat himself "...having been driven insane, I hold the necessary degree in psychology." With this pointed statement, this bizarre story unfolds. Kotzwinkle paints a dark and frightening tale that is a reflection of our times. This book cuts right into the artificial and bloody foundation of Psychiatric `research' and experimentation, and the reader will be appalled at the harsh spotlight that it shines on the inhumane practices so common place in our society, yet hidden behind a paper-shuffling bureaucracy. This is a very clever book, and very timely. It will open anyone's eyes with its startling viewpoint. A real shocker filled with cold realism. This book is absolutely disgusting at times, but very poignant. It will open your eyes.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enlighting tale of animals used for medical research, June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dr. Rat (Paperback)

Entertaining tale of the humans use of animals for medical research.

This book allows you to look at a different point of view in animal research. from the animals side. What do they think? Do they feel? Do they care? Should we, as humans, care about these things? This book is not for kids.

Dr. Rat is an exploration of the use of animals in human research. You are given the view of a lab rat that has been in the research lab just a little too long. He is missing various parts and is quite mad. He talks in poems that make a lot of sense when you stop to listen to them. He is as smart as he is savey in the 'way' of the lab and leads the animals in a revolution to take over the world.

Very entertaining, much more of a social statement than other books of his,and makes you think about the use of animals in medical research and if it is the 'right' thing to do. A must read for those of used who think we are liberal and open minded. And even for those who believe strongly in animal reseach.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Madness as Education, April 17, 2005

By 

V. Lemon "msbooker" (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dr. Rat (Paperback)

If you read Dr. Rat you will never forget it -- ever. I read this many years ago and was reluctant to pick it up for a re-read because of the discomfort and horror it engendered, although I felt oddly compelled. A second reading did nothing to change my mind that a book that could make me that uncomfortable was worth a second look. (Those who believe in mankind's God-given right to dominion over the earth and its creatures should be forced to read Dr. Rat.) This is a strange, intense, often wildly funny, but serious book for people who relish chewy intellectual meat over sentimental feel-good pap.