THE SCALPEL, THE SWORD

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 1952

A stimulating biography whose subject, Dr. Norman Bethune, is presented in love, understanding and fairness. In China, where he died, he was known as Pai Chu En (White Seek Grace) and worshipped by guerrillas and civilians alike. The story turns back to his career, his decision to study medicine, his unhappy marriage, his gift in painting and sculpture, the onslaught of TB and the verdict of death which he refused to accept. While at Trudeau he studied the possibilities of artificial pneumothorax -- and insisted on an operation and was healed. The Spanish Civil War gave him opportunity for perfecting techniques of thoracic surgery; then he went to China where he stayed until his death. This Canadian's life packs a terrific wallop, depicting a real person and a real story.

Pub Date: March 3, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1952

Categories: NONFICTION