FACES FROM THE FIRE

by Leonard Mosley ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1963

The lively, readable biography of Sir Archibald McIndoe is also the story of a unique group which he created -- in more sense than one. A bluff, hearty New Zealander ambitious for money and success, plagued by marital problems, McIndoe became a fine abdominal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, then switched to the new field of plastic surgery in England. Then World War II came along, and with it, thousands of young airmen with horribly burned faces and hands. They were the Guinea Pigs, and it was McIndoe's task to give; them new faces and new hands. He did much more-- he taught them to live with their pain and disfigurement and tortuous, years-long recoveries. He gave them the confidence to go out and piece together their shattered lives, and stood by them in every possible way until his death in 1960. How a seemingly ordinary, self-seeking person acquired the stature necessary to accomplish a great task when it was thrust upon him provides an inspirational note. Incidentally McIndoe got his money and success, too, including a knighthood. The McIndoe nose-bob was a fad, and even Kay Kendall sported one. Mr. Mosley writes with humor and understanding and manages to explain the technicalities of a specialty in an interesting manner.

Pub Date: March 1, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Prentice-Hall

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION