Cancer is that "loathsome beast, which seized upon the breast, drove its long claws into the surrounding tissues, derived its sustenance by sucking out the juices of its victims, and never even relaxed its hold in death," a turn-of-the-century physician recorded. Even today cancer affects the popular imagination with dread. In a subtle and penetrating cultural history, James Patterson examines reactions to the disease through a century of American life. The modern American preoccupation with cancer was apparent during the ...
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Cancer is that "loathsome beast, which seized upon the breast, drove its long claws into the surrounding tissues, derived its sustenance by sucking out the juices of its victims, and never even relaxed its hold in death," a turn-of-the-century physician recorded. Even today cancer affects the popular imagination with dread. In a subtle and penetrating cultural history, James Patterson examines reactions to the disease through a century of American life. The modern American preoccupation with cancer was apparent during the widely publicized illness and death from that ailment of Ulysses S. Grant in 1885. Awareness of the disease soon figured heavily in the public consciousness, and individual reactions to it continue to reveal broader tensions within American society. Patterson examines responses to cancer by researchers and physicians, quacks and faith healers, by the multitude who have heard sensational media reports of "cures," as well as by many who have had firsthand experiences with the disease. Optimistic attitudes of many experts contrast sharply with the skepticism of large segments of the population--often the less wealthy and the less educated--that reject the claims of medical science and resist the advice or, some argue, the paternalistic dictates of the government-supported cancer research establishment. Expanding expectations of a cure from a confident medical profession; the rise of a government-supported Cancer Establishment managing a large research empire; the emergence of a "cancer counterculture"; a new emphasis on prevention through control of the environment and the self; and the private fears and pessimism of millions of Americans form a tellinghistory of American social patterns. Whether the issue is smoking, pollution, or regular checkups, attitudes toward cancer reflect more general views on medicine, public policy, and illness, as well as on death and dying. This century has witnessed both a biomedical revolution and a vastly increased role of the state in the private lives of citizens; but not everyone has bought the medical package, and many have little faith in government intervention. Readers interested in the cultural dimensions of science and medicine as well as historians, sociologists, and political scientists will be enlightened and challenged by "The Dread Disease,"
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Add this copy of The Dread Disease: Cancer and Modern American Culture to cart. $14.20, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Harvard University Press.
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Good to Very Good. Very Good Dust Jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. 380 pp. Tightly bound. Corners not bumped. Text is free of markings. No ownership markings. Hint of mustiness. First Edition / First Printing. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Add this copy of Dread Disease: Cancer and Modern American Culture to cart. $42.00, like new condition, Sold by Southampton Sag Harbor Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Southampton, NY, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Harvard University Press.
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Like New. No Jacket. First Edition, First Printing. Published by Harvard, 1987. Octavo. Hardcover. Book is like new. No dust jacket. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.
Add this copy of The Dread Disease: Cancer and Modern American Culture to cart. $59.95, new condition, Sold by Sequitur Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Boonsboro, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Harvard University Press.
Add this copy of The Dread Disease: Cancer and Modern American Culture to cart. $14.21, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Harvard University Press.
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Add this copy of The Dread Disease: Cancer and Modern American Culture to cart. $15.50, good condition, Sold by A2ZBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Burgin, KY, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Harvard Univ Pr.
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Good Condition in Good jacket. Book appears to be in Used Good Condition. Cover has some wear, scuffs, dings and corner bumps. Text appears to have markings. Spine is in good condition. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. ISBN: 0674216253. ISBN/EAN: 9780674216259. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 1561041186.
