Raising the Dead: A Doctor's Encounter with His Own Mortality - Softcover

Selzer, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140234896 ISBN 13: 9780140234893

Publisher: Penguin, 1995

Synopsis

The former surgeon writes of his own near-death experience after being diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease and lapsing into a coma. The fragility of health and robustness of imagination merge when this seemingly healthy man's legs collapse suddenly beneath him, propelling him into a 23-day coma triggered by Legionnaire's Disease. Here, Selzer relives his illness, allowing the reader a highly personal glimpse into his delirium as he skates the line between life and death. This tale of survival remains unsentimental as Selzer grounds what was surely a terrifying experience in humor, emphasized by use of third person narrative.

About this title

Synopsis

The fragility of health and robustness of imagination merge when a seemingly healthy man's legs collapse suddenly beneath him, propelling him into a 23-day coma triggered by Legionnaire's Disease. Here, Selzer relives his illnesses, allowing the reader a highly personal glimpse into his delirium as he skates the line between life and death. This tale of survival remains unsentimental as Selzer grounds what was surely a terrifying experience in humour, emphasised by use of third person narrative.

About the Author

Richard Selzer is the author of numerous books and articles. He is a former surgeon and professor of surgery. Selzer taught writing at Yale University and is the recipient of dozens of awards and honors, including a Pushcart Prize, National Magazine Award (for his essays), an American Medical Writer's Award, and a Guggenheim fellowship. His work has been published in New American Review, Esquire, Harper's, and other periodicals.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0140234896
• ISBN 13: 9780140234893
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128