Biography: science, technology and medicine Books

Book SynopsisIn 1546, Pierre Belon - already a naturalist of some renown - travelled to Constantinople in the entourage of the French Ambassador to Suleiman the Magnificent. En route, he visited Venice, Ragusa, Corfu and Crete, and over the next two years travelled throughout the Ottoman domains, - to Egypt, Anatolia, Arabia, and the Holy Land - returning to France in 1549. Wherever he went, Belon described plants, birds, mammals and fish, and recorded the customs of the inhabitants - what they ate, how they reared their children - collecting information on almost every aspect of the lands through which he passes. He did not rely on hearsay, on previous accounts, or on authority: what we have are his own observations, and the result of assiduous questioning and meticulous recording. His Observations, 'written in our ordinary French tongue', were published in 1553. In April 1564, Pierre Belon was murdered by persons unknown while crossing the Bois de Boulogne. Although Pierre Belon is well known as a naturalist, and - with his treatises on fish and birds - as a founder of comparative anatomy, his Observations have not previously appeared, in full, in English. Following a distinguished career as a civil servant, James Hogarth acquired a reputation as a versatile and punctilious translator. His translations span travel guides, archaeological texts, and novels. His 2002 translation of Victor Hugo's Travailleurs de la Mer was awarded the French-American Foundation Translation Prize. He died in 2006.

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Book SynopsisBengt Jangfeldt is a Professor of Literature and best-selling writer in Sweden. He is the author of several books on Russian literature, and in 1998 was awarded the August (Strindberg) Prize, the Swedish equivalent of the Booker. The Swedish edition of 'Axel Munthe: The Road to San Michele' was awarded the Swedish Academy's biography prize.

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Book SynopsisScience and technology are the most potent influences driving the modern world. Most science is done in laboratories but, apart from a generalized image of an anonymous building populated by white-coated figures, few people outside the sciences have any idea how such places come into existence or how they work. This memoir approaches both issues from the author's personal experience. Peter Day's career took him to many countries and laboratories, including the Royal Institution in London, arguably the oldest continuously operating laboratory in the world - and, of course, much else besides. He looks at a selection of these places through the eyes of an 'incomer', trying to understand how they came into being and what makes them tick. He was the first member of his family to go to university and introductory chapters sketch his early life in a small Kentish village and tortuous route into science, along with vignettes of Oxford 50 years ago, a long-lost world. Laboratories, like most other human constructs, are brought into being through the ambition and hubris of individuals, kept going by intellect and sharp elbows, and sometimes brought low by blind egoism. This book shares examples of all these traits of humanity, observed, if not by an outsider then certainly by an incomer. Peter Day is an internationally recognised materials chemist who has received numerous honorary Fellowships, degrees and Academy memberships. From a small village in Kent, his career took him to Oxford and industrial research laboratories in the USA, followed by Directorship of a European institute in France and the Royal Institution in London. As well as many technical papers he has published books and articles about the practise of science, people who carry it out and organisations where it is done.Trade Review'This is the kind of book - an unassuming, informative, and entertaining memoir that ranges over personal, scientific, and administrative matters - that I think more of you should be writing. The book costs less than $20, and can be read on a long train trip. A historian will find many details about the grain of today's scientific life that are usually passed over in more formal or ambitious histories and biographies. We could use many more tales from the cucumber tree like this one.' Robert P. Crease, Chairman of the Department of Philosophy at Stony Brook University, New York. 'That Day almost chose arts instead of science at school shows in this elegantly written view of the influences on science and scientists in the later 20th century.' Derry Jones, Chemistry World, August 2012 'a wide-ranging and entertaining life story.' TW Magazine, 2013

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Book SynopsisThis is a no-holds-barred candid memoir by a former Marine jet jockey and physicist who became NASA's second civilian astronaut. Walter Cunningham presents the astronauts in all their glory in this dramatically revised and updated edition that was considered an instant classic in its first edition over two decades ago. From its insider's view of the pervasive 'astropolitics' that guided the functioning of the astronaut corps to its thoughtful discussion of the Columbia tragedy, this book resonates with Cunningham's passion for humanity's destiny in space which endures today. This is a story of the triumph of American heroes. Cunningham brings us into NASA's training program and reveals what it takes to be an astronaut. He poignantly relates the story of the devastating Apollo 1 fire that took the lives of three astronauts and his own later successful flight on Apollo 7. This new edition includes an update of the manned space program and his 'tell it like it is' observation of NASA's successes and failures. It also includes commentary on the Shuttle disasters of Challenger and Columbia and his views on what NASA should be doing to get back on track and to regain public support.

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Book SynopsisAn intensive-care doctor reveals the long-term problems caused by ICUs, and how these can be prevented. Thousands of people are admitted to intensive-care units (ICUs) every day, and this is only increasing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of these admissions will be sudden, unexpected, and harrowing — an experience that can alter patients and their families in physical, emotional, and spiritual ways, with effects that endure for years. But there is hope. Dr Ely is a leading ICU doctor. His unconventional methods minimise patients being harmed by the cutting-edge technologies that are saving their lives; post–intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a well-established complication that millions of ICU survivors battle, which Dr Ely aims to eradicate. His cutting-edge studies have convinced doctors around the world to change their ICU practices for the better. Through captivating stories, Dr Ely shows how he and colleagues from around the world have re-introduced humanity into the ICU, creating pathways that bring hope and healing to healthcare. This is the future of medicine, and is a must-read for healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.Trade Review‘A stunning, heartbreaking, and hopeful book, expressing Dr Ely's profound union of compassion and medical skill. Given that most of us will stay in an ICU, attend a loved one there, or even die in one, I hope that many readers demand treatment according to the humane practices Dr Ely has pioneered. I equally hope that every critical-care doctor and hospital administrator reads this beautiful book, puts its protocols into practice, and makes their ICUs more humane and medically effective.’ -- Katy Butler, author of Knocking on Heaven’s Door‘Every Deep-Drawn Breath is an enthralling journey through the ongoing evolution of critical care. In this richly illustrated book, with stories of people who teetered on the edge of death and survived to find their lives forever changed, Dr Ely, a thought leader in his field, reveals hard lessons he’s learned, innovations he’s led, and his compelling, bright vision for the future of medicine.’ -- Dr Ira Byock, active emeritus professor at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible, founder and chief medical officer of the Institute for Human Caring‘Through rich and remarkable accounts of caring for patients in the ICU, Dr Wes Ely places the humanistic mission of medicine front and centre, where it belongs, in this outstanding book.’ -- Dr Eric Topol, professor at Scripps Research, author of Deep Medicine‘A remarkable book from a legendary physician. Dr Ely revolutionised critical care and now, through stories that are intimate, honest, and brave, he reveals the failings and the great promise of the field. This could not be more timely — in the wake of a pandemic that challenged the humanity of our profession, Ely shows us the road forward. A must read.’ -- Dr Daniela Lamas, author of You Can Stop Humming Now: a doctor’s stories of life, death, and in between‘Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a beautiful, honest gem. If you’re interested in the wild world of the ICU, in the interface between nature and human nature, in how medicine (at its best) learns from good intentions gone awry, in the difference between in vitro and in vivo, or in how a good doctor becomes great, here is the book for you. I’m grateful to Dr Ely for his candour and his storytelling.’ -- Dr B. J. Miller, author of A Beginner’s Guide to the End‘Thanks to Dr Wes Ely and his colleagues, help is on the way for ICU patients, as well as the healthcare professionals who care for them. Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a must read for anyone who may someday be impacted by an ICU, which means all of us.’ -- Dr Jessica Zitter, MPH, author of Extreme Measures‘The ICU is an important, mysterious character in the story of modern medicine, and Every Deep-Drawn Breath is its deeply felt, thoroughly researched biography. With compassion, grit, and grace, Dr Ely takes us into this liminal space and shows us, through the stories of his patients and his life, what it means to mobilise technology to save lives while also confronting the unintended pain and suffering that ICU care can inflict. This book illuminates the humanism, heroism, and humility required to stand with people at life’s edge, and reminds us to seek meaning and purpose in the life we have, a life sustained by each breath we take.’ -- Dr Sunita Puri, author of That Good Night: life and medicine in the eleventh hour‘In this fascinating and eye-opening book, Wes Ely makes the radical argument that we should be helping critically ill patients stay awake and engaged, not routinely sedating them into unconsciousness. Combining dogged research, intense reflection, and page-turning stories, Dr Ely reminds us that we have to treat the patient, not just the disease.’ -- Dr Danielle Ofri, PhD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at NYU School of Medicine, and author of When We Do Harm‘With the storytelling sensibilities of Oliver Sacks and the surgical precision of Atul Gawande, Dr Wes Ely has given us an unforgettable journey of patients and doctors travelling in the disorienting world of intensive care, ultimately leading toward redemption for Dr Ely himself. Required reading for all mortals. If you liked When Breath Becomes Air, you will love this book.’ -- Dr Angelo Volandes, author of The Conversation: a revolutionary plan for end-of-life care‘A treasure trove of hard-won wisdom. Reading Every Deep-Drawn Breath is like getting a backstage pass to the cloistered world of medical science. A gifted storyteller, Wes Ely brings his humanity to every moment, inspiring us to re-examine our own beliefs and re-imagine what is possible. He has seamlessly woven together the private stories behind the very public successes and failures of our well-intentioned ICU care. Illuminating and generous, he revisits with humility the pivotal moments of his career in this wise gift of a book.’ -- Dr Rana Awdish, author of In Shock: my journey from death to recovery and the redemptive power of hope‘Every Deep Drawn Breath deserves a wide and deep readership … it summons physicians to seek relief for their patients’ endemic suffering, but not by standard yet short-sighted procedures that ignore post-ICU torment. On the contrary, doctors must humbly recognise their own limits, indeed their inevitable mistakes. Precisely and ever so admirably, this is what Wes Ely has done.’ -- Ralph C. Wood, Emeritus Professor of Theology and Literature at Baylor University‘Ely, a critical care doctor, debuts with a remarkable look at transformations in ICU care … This humble — and humbling — look at the limits and potential of medicine will stick with readers.’ * Publishers Weekly, starred review *‘In this dynamic, often touching debut, the author chronicles a personal, passionate return to the ethical heart of the Hippocratic oath. In addition to a timeline of the ICU and its history of medical innovations, Ely details a succession of individual bedside narratives … The author effectively illuminates the daily pressures placed on caregivers … Ely also provides a thoughtful exploration of the ICU treatment culture of sedation and immobilisation, and analyses how it can be recentred around a core value of “humanity in doctoring” … As Ely conveys through anecdotes and experience, physicians can maximise their knowledge by focusing on, listening to, and learning from their patients. Meaningful, thought-provoking insight into the world of critical care.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘An intensely emotive journey through the science and history of the intensive care unit … Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a paragon of humanity that will have lasting positive effects.’ * The Lancet *‘[A] powerful new book … provides true insight into what can be accomplished with humility, perseverance, dedication and above all else, love.’ * Intima: a journal of narrative medicine *‘Timely.’ * St. Louis Post-Dispatch *‘With its vivid observations and heartfelt tone, Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a joy to read. Ely’s passion for his patients leaps from the pages, inspiring readers to channel Ely’s humility and love for life to brighten the future of medicine, and mankind.’ * The Federalist *

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