Author Description

Historically seen as a disease afflicting upper-class males of superior wit, genius, & creativity, gout has included among its sufferers Erasmus, the Medici, Samuel Johnson, Immanuel Kant, Robert Browning & Benjamin Franklin. It has also been the subject of powerful medical folklore, viewed as a disease that protects its sufferers & assures long life. This book investigates the history of gout & through it offers a new perspective on medical & social history, sex, prejudice & class, & explains why gout was gender specific. A superb social, cultural, & medical history of one of the few diseases that people are proud to have.Ó A lively & enjoyable reading experience.Ó Illustrations.