From Publishers Weekly
The history of nursing is essentially a story of women and reflects their subjugated condition in various times and places. In Europe nurses indoctrinated by the Church from 300 A.D. onward were trained in passivity, humility and disregard for self. Male physicians in 19th century America saw midwifery as a threat to their profession and crushed this female vocation. Donahue, a professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, demonstrates that nurses or healers often enjoyed a high status in Asian cultures and among "primitive" peoples. Modern developments such as team nursing and specialization are cursorily examined. Written in textbook style, this volume is marred by superficial coverage and occasionally sloppy writing. The dull prose fails to bring the story to life. Russac, an archivist for Sotheby's, has pulled together hundreds of sprightly illustrations ranging from Judy Chicago to Rembrandt. The pictures lavishly amplify the text even when they are not from the era being discussed.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
This is an exquisite book both visually and textually. Although Donahue's emphasis is European and North American, her historical overview is fairly comprehensive. Women have played a prominent role in the history of nursing, but this book is not just a chronicle of heroines and events. It is a subtle weave of the history of medicine and women within the tapestry of civilization. Donahue reaffirms the spirit of charity and selflessness so necessary for the well-being of humanity without compromising the dignity of the individual within his or her chosen profession of nursing. The 405 illustrations are carefully selected and beautifully presented, ranging from Breughel, Gaugin, and da Vinci to Hogarth, Rockwell, and Judy Chicago. Highly recommended. Mary Hemmings, McGill Univ. Medical Lib., Montreal
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
