A companion volume to the BBC television series of the same name, which followed on the heels of the previous series, The Human Body . Covering the same material as the series, the book presents chapters explaining biological and medical aspects of the human body related to physical trauma, transplants, self-repair, cancer, the outbreak of disease, and fertility. The text is supported by a wealth of color photographs taken by many of the same photographers who worked on the television series. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The book-of-the-TV-series is generally a pretty uninspiring genre, but Robert Winston and Lori Oliwenstein's Superhuman is a notable exception. Based on the BBC production of the same name, the book explores in considerable depth and clarity the response of the human body to various ills, and the science behind medical efforts to intervene when our bodies go wrong. Like the series, the book deals with six major themes: trauma, transplantation, regeneration, cancer, infection and fertility. (The last may seem a little out of place given the preceding five---and, indeed, it comes across as such in the book--but fertility is the subject for which Winston has rightly gained international renown, so this last chapter is an authoritative and welcome bonus). Superhuman is challenging and thought provoking throughout, but also enjoyably critical and controversial in places. For example, what would your reaction be if paramedics refused you blankets and intravenous fluids after a serious accident? In the context of current standard medical practice, such behaviour would constitute dereliction of duty, but given the known dangers of artificially inflating a trauma victim's blood-pressure and the demonstrated benefits of a low body temperature in certain circumstances, cautious neglect may sometimes be the best treatment. In fact, there are doctors in the UK who say they would sue if a paramedic even attempted to give them fluids after an accident. Still happy to put your life in their hands?
Superhuman is so interesting and such a delight to read that one hesitates to criticise, but the good professor should stick to the species he knows. For example: "The further down the evolutionary hierarchy we go, towards the reptiles, amphibians and worms, the more widespread ... regenerative talent appears to be". So much hard public-relations work by evolutionary scientists, so easily undone. Read Winston for fascinating insights into Homo sapiens, but read Stephen Jay Gould's Life's Grandeur for a rather more balanced assessment of the other 30 million species on Earth. --Chris Lavers
Robert Winston is Director of Reproductive Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital in London, and Professor of Fertility Studies, Imperial College. He is currently Chairman of the House of Lords Committee on Science and Technology. His research into embryology and genetics is recognized internationally, and among his many publications that have received awards are: The IVF Revolution, Genetic Manipulation, Making Babies, Infertility, and Getting Pregnant. Lori Oliwenstein is Science Writer at the University of Southern California and was formerly a Senior Editor at Discover Magazine.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 3.19
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
£ 2.25
Within U.S.A.
Seller: BookHolders, Towson, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: SOME ] [ Edition: first ] withdrawn library book Publisher: DK Adult Pub Date: 3/1/2001 Binding: Hardcover Pages: 256 first edition. Seller Inventory # 2367537
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.85. Seller Inventory # G0789468271I4N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 15-0789468271-G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Neil Shillington: Bookdealer/Booksearch, Hobe sound, FL, U.S.A.
Hardback. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Ex-Library; 1 x 9.2 x 7.2 Inches; 256 pages. Seller Inventory # 103333
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Gyre & Gimble, Holden, ME, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Oversized Grey cloth with silver lettering. Bump to head and heel of spine. Text is clean and white, no marks. Profusely illustrated throughout with color photographs. Unclipped DJ with $30.00 price shows hinto of edgewear, small tear to upper front corner. "Following on from the enormously successful BBC program, this book explores the body's amazing ability to heal, renew, and regenerate itself. The stunningly illustrated book relates dramatic tales of futuristic medicine taking place today and, also, describes how the body's own power of self-repair is enhanced with contemporary drugs and techniques." (from the jacket). Seller Inventory # X80611
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Big Bill's Books, Wimberley, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0789468271
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Front Cover Books, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0789468271
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wizard Books, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0789468271
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: GoldBooks, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0789468271
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: VeryGood. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs2086021069
Quantity: 1 available