The Care of Strangers: The Rise of America's Hospital System [Paperback]

Charles E. Rosenberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0801850827 | ISBN-13: 978-0801850820

This widely acclaimed history traces every facet of the hospital's social and professional transformations. Many of today's obsessions with technology, rigid bureaucracy, and uncontrolled cost can be found in hospitals more than half a century ago. Illustrated.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As hospitals are now an intrinsic part of health-care delivery, the information in Rosenberg's well-researched , carefully documented book may astonish readers. It traces the modern hospital from its origins in the 19th-century almshouse to the post-World War I period , when the hospital achieved status as an institution for the middle and upper classes. More narrowly focused than Paul Starr's Social Transformation of American Medicine ( LJ 11/1/82), The Care of Strangers emphasizes improved standards for training health professionals and accelerated technological developments as the factors that gave hospitals recognition. Engrossing for general and informed readers. Best Hospitals in America could almost be described as a Michelin Guide. The authors have selected more than 60 outstanding hospitals nationwide and have provided a thumbnail sketch of each facility. They include a statistical profile, a list of nationally known specialists on staff, specialty areas, research interests, and information on admissions policies and charges. They do outline criteria for selection, but have omitted a number of noteworthy institutions. Nonetheless, the sophisticated (and affluent) patient can use this guide to identify the institution best suited to his or her needs anywhere in the country.Carol R. Glatt, N.J. Bioethics Commission, Trenton
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

An elegantly written book that broadens the history of hospitals and places it squarely within the larger field of American social history.

(Virginia G. Drachman American Historical Review )

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801850827
• ISBN-13: 978-0801850820
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #754,472 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A very important book February 13, 2007

By H. Burns

Format:Paperback

As more and more focus is placed on the need for change in the U.S. health system, it is vital to understand the historical roots of health care in America. Rosenberg provides us with an exceptionally thoughtful history of our hospital system. As one reads his book some twenty years after its publication, one realizes how prescient he was, and how relevant his book remains. The book is a very important one, and should be read by anyone considering health care reform in the U.S. I might add, finally, that it is very enjoyable to read.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Perspective on the History of the Hospital System May 30, 2010

By Alina C. Lopo

Format:Paperback

I read this book when I was considering returning to school for an MD. It gave me an excellent historical perspective on medicine in the US. A must for anyone interested in the history of medicine and in the changes taking place today in the health care system.

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Pleased with my Recent Purchase October 11, 2009

By Miranda H. Eddy

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased The Care f Strangers for a book review that I am doing for my honors History class. I am very pleased with the codition of the book and the timely fashion that I received it.