Author Description

Using examples of well-known people and historical cases, this book looks to open up discussion on the topic of clinical genetics; to make genetics conversational.There are accounts of how particular diseases were first described and the stories around people who have suffered. This book describes many of the incredible numbers of famous individuals, current and historical, from politics, art, stage, music, sport and literature who live with and have lived with genetic diseases. Some of these disorders might, arguably, have played a degree in shaping their success. Importantly, the focus is to use these individuals as examples to explain the major concepts in genetics and some of the background to the different genetic disorders in our society. That genetic diseases are relatively common, and the fact that so many individuals suffer highlights the importance of understanding these conditions and removing some of the taboo that often surrounds genetic differences. We are all genetically different and it’s these imperfections that constantly drive our evolution.