Edited and written by an international "who's who" of more than 100 authors, including anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, bench scientists, a surgeon, and representatives of industry, this text provides a comprehensive history of anesthesia, unique in its focus on the people and events that shaped the specialty around the world, particularly during the past 70 years when anesthesia emerged from empiricism and developed into a science-based practice.
From the reviews:
"An amazing, absolutely unique tome?The Wondrous Story of Anesthesia does indeed have biblical connotations, even having an 'Old' and a 'New' testament. The former details the history of anaesthesia?from its earliest beginnings, and is written by its three internationally renowned editors?All subspecialties are included?so we have the development of pain management (Carr and Cousins), of neuroanesthesia (Frost), paediatric anesthesia (Gregory), critical care (Takala), and many, many more?an excellent achievement." (J.M. Hunter, British Journal of Anaesthesia, June, 2014)
"The book will appeal greatly not only to those who have a major interest in how anaesthesia was discovered and evolved, but as a most comprehensive reference work for anyone involved with or researching anaesthesia. Every teaching hospital, university or medical school library would be incomplete without this volume and every trainee shouldbe made aware of its knowledge value." (J.A. Crowhurst, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, July, 2014)
"Delves into the fascinating discovery, development, and use of various anesthetic agents down through the ages and throughout the world?useful and valuable to librarians, educators, historians, clinicians, and researchers?[The] book is beautifully formatted with colorful textboxes, good quality illustrations, and well-designed charts and tables...The 100 contributors are noted anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, clinicians, researchers, and health practitioners from North America, South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East, Australasia and Oceania, and Asia?Unique in its scope and authority." (Elizabeth Connor, Doody's Book Reviews, May, 2014)
"Worth reading by any individual with a background in anesthesia. History of medicine aficionados in particular will truly enjoy this book. It is definitely well writtenand evident that the editors and authors put a great deal of work into this project. They should be proud of their achievement. Every medical library should have a copy of this book as should every anesthesia department." (Brendan T. Finucane, Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie, Vol. 61, June, 2014)
"A book waited for by all anesthesiologists, 'The wondrous story of anesthesia'?describes the evolution of anesthesia?[and] is a 'wondrous' book for people working in anesthesia-related fields." (Koh Shingu, Journal of Anesthesia, March, 2014)
