Book description
'As an introduction to early modern thinking and the impact of past
ideas on present lives, this book can find few equals and no
superiors. Porter is a witty, humane writer with an extraordinary
vocabulary and a sparkling sense of fun. Whether he is quoting from
obscure medical texts or analysing scabrous diaries, dishing the dirt
on long-dead bigwigs or evoking sympathy for human suffering, his
grasp is masterly and his erudition appealing. I wish I could read it
again for the first time: you can.' Times Educational Supplement, Book
of the Week
In this startlingly brilliant sequel to the prize-winning
ENLIGHTENMENT Roy Porter completes his lifetime's work, offering a
magical, enthusiastic and charming account of the writings of some of
the most attractive figures ever to write English.
Roy Porter was until his retirement Professor in the Social History
of Medicine at the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine. His
last book ENLIGHTENMENT won a 2001 Wolfson Prize. He completed FLESH IN
THE AGE OF REASON in the week of his death.
