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Betty M. Adelson

The Lives of Dwarfs: Their Journey from Public Curiosity toward Social Liberation Hardcover – June 8, 2005

by Betty M. Adelson (Author)

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—

"The Lives of Dwarfs is extraordinary in its range and vision. Beautifully written. Totally absorbing."—Ursula Hegi, author of Stones from the River

"As a little person, husband, and father of a little person, I dream of the day when dwarfs attain full acceptance in society. The Lives of Dwarfs provides a giant step in that direction."—Rick Spiegel, former president of Little People of America

"This important book makes it possible for both average- and short-statured people to challenge our collective understanding of dwarfism as a synonym for diminishment or as an array of cute and evil fairy-tale figures. The libratory work of this book is to invite us all to reimagine dwarfism as a livable experience and tenable way of being in the world."—Rosemarie Garland Thomson, author of Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature

"A work of compassionate scholarship. A unique contribution to the literature of physical deformity and social isolation and a gift to the individuals whose personal struggle this is."—Linda Hunt, actor

Historically, they have borne the labels "freaks" and "oddities"; they have been collected as pets, displayed as spectacles, and treated as comic relief. Now, for the first time, in this elegant and comprehensive volume, the lives of dwarfs are explored in all their fullness and humanity.

Spanning the centuries from ancient Egypt to the present, this unique social history chronicles the various ways this population has been exploited, describes their strategies for coping, and notes the persistent influence of mythology upon perceptions of them by others. The narrative also highlights the lives of eminent individuals and contains a thought-provoking account of the representation and participation of dwarfs in the arts, enhanced by outstanding color photographs. Betty M. Adelson, the mother of a daughter with dwarfism, brings special insight and sensitivity to the research. She traces the widespread mistreatment of dwarfs over the centuries, engendered by their being viewed as curiosities rather than as human beings capable of the same accomplishments as people of average height, and deserving of the same pleasures. For much of their history, dwarfs have resorted to exhibiting themselves: because of social stigma no other employment was available.

Only in recent years have short-statured individuals begun to challenge their position in society. Medical advances, new economic opportunities, and disability legislation have led to progress, mainly in Western nations. Advocacy groups have also formed in countries as diverse as Chile, South Korea, and Nigeria. Adelson compares what she refers to as the "small revolution" to similar social and cultural awakenings that women, African Americans, gays and lesbians, and persons with disabilities experienced when they identified themselves as a community with shared goals and obstacles.

Written with passion, grace, and the dignity that the subject deserves, The Lives of Dwarfs will not only revolutionize current perceptions about the historically misrepresented dwarf population, but also offer pause for thought on issues of disability, medical treatment, height, beauty, and identity.

Print length

472 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Rutgers University Press
Publication date

June 8, 2005
Dimensions

7.25 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches
ISBN-10

0813535484
ISBN-13

978-0813535487
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Including striking color images, this is perhaps the definitive study of the subject. -- Library Journal

About the Author

Betty M. Adelson is a retired psychologist, formerly on the counseling staffs of Queens College and New York University's School of Education. She spent most of her career as a psychotherapist in private practice in Brooklyn, New York. She is the author of the forthcoming book Dwarfism: Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Profound Short Stature.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rutgers University Press (June 8, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 472 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0813535484
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0813535487
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.56 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.25 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,720,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,783 in Historical Study Reference (Books)
- #3,496 in History Encyclopedias
- #5,713 in Social Services & Welfare (Books)

Customer Reviews:
9 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		86%
4 star		14%
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Maree

Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand what our ...

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2014

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Over the centuries people with dwarfism from characters deemed as jokes and "untermenchen" to human beings filled with hope and fulfilled lives. I have dwarfism and as I read it I both cried and smiled. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand what our historic journey to "personhood" has entailed!

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2014

Verified Purchase

Betty always does the job. Great info!

Helpful

RP Madison

Engaging, Exhaustive and very Important

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021

There are few books on any subject that have taught me so much while keeping me legitimately enthralled with the subject matter the entire time. The amount of people documented in this exhaustive work who should be hailed as heroes in our time and who have been largely forgotten is appalling. Where is The Benjamin Lay bio pic already? Endless stars for this enlightening and perspective shattering read.

Helpful

K. Mueller

Absorbing and completely necessary

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2005

Many people in the dwarfism community, as well as those in the disability, human rights, and social sciences communities have been eagerly awaiting publication of this book. The finished product is well worth the wait: Adelson's thoroughness, expertise, and committment are clear. This volume includes a social history of dwarfs, as well as contemporary portraits, medical information, dwarfs in the arts, etc., making the book comprehensive, absorbing, and readable for those interested in social history or cultural studies. Meanwhile, when I read it I found myself asking, "Why in the world has no one done this before?" Kudos to the author and publisher of this important text.

24 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Edna85

A good start in understanding the lives of a hidden minority

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2011

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This book gives a good foundation in helping to understand the lives of people with dwarfism, by giving historical accounts of people with dwarfism from early Egyptian times to the present ones. This includes biographies and good images. What the book does not take account of fully is the oppression that dwarfs face in modern society and why it occurs. What I would of liked to have seen more of is a clear argument into why dwarfs are marginalised in mainstream society and how this marginalization has come about.

Luis aristu

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2015

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It has been perfect. Thank you

Aveva

great bookshop

Reviewed in Spain on August 12, 2019

Verified Purchase

Reliable, book in perfect conditions

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The Lives of Dwarfs: Their Journey from Public Curiosity toward Social Liberation Hardcover – June 8, 2005

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