The Illness Narratives: Suffering, Healing, and the Human Condition [Hardcover]

Arthur Kleinman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1988

A Harvard psychiatrist and anthropologist argues that interpreting the illness experience is an art tragically neglected by modern medical training, and presents a compelling case for bridging the gap between patient and doctor. Based on twenty years of clinical experience studying and treating chronic illness, a Harvard psychiatrist and anthropologist argues that diagnosing illness is an art tragically neglected by modern medical training, and presents a compelling case for bridging the gap between patient and doctor.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, Kleinman vitalizes his book with quotations from patients and members of the healing professions. This is a scholarly study but accessible to a lay audience. Writing of "suffering, healing and the human condition," the author observes the dichotomy between technological advances in medicine and the actual treatment of the ill, handicapped and dying. Profoundly moving reports illuminate the deprived lives of social outcasts, shunned and stigmatized, whose needs are not met by the medical community. There are also instructive descriptions of how an empathetic doctor can help "humans" (not cases) to regain health or, in extremis, die a "good death." Kleinman argues persuasively the need to reform today's medical-care system to more fully serve humanity.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Kleinman, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, pleads for doctors to consider psychological and social aspects of chronic illness along with the medical aspects. He points out a need for change in the education of physicians to reflect this broader view, also expressed by Melvin Konner in Becoming a Doctor ( LJ 9/1/87). He presents case histories to illustrate the differing reactions of patients to their illnesses. A distinctive feature is a comparison of patients in the United States and China, making the effect of social elements on illness graphically clear. Recommended for the public and health care professionals. Anne Twitchell, EPA Headquarters Lib., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 301 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (February 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465032028
• ISBN-13: 978-0465032020
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #943,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Case studies on how to deal with chronic pain and suffering., March 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Illness Narratives: Suffering, Healing, And The Human Condition (Paperback)

Harvard professor Arthur Kleinman has prepared and presented an excellent collection of case studies and analysis on the topic of suffering and dealing with chronic pain. This book is perfect for a physician who is trying to understand his patients or a patient who is trying to deal with a life of pain. Either way the book is a fascinating study of how to live life.