The Autobiography of a Quack, and The Case of George Dedlow

Name: The Autobiography of a Quack, and The Case of George Dedlow
Author: S. Weir Mitchell

By S. Weir Mitchell

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American Literature Humour Novels

About This Book

The volume collects two short narratives: a first-person confessional in which a dubious medical practitioner, confined and convalescing in hospital, recounts imprisonment, furtive escape plans, travel under surveillance, and episodes of deception that mix danger and dark comedy; and a separate reported case about an unfortunate man whose plight attracted public sympathy and culminates in a spiritual incident that some readers regarded as evidence of the supernatural. Both pieces interweave medical detail, ironic humor, and observations on credibility, compassion, and social reactions to illness and alleged imposture.

About the Author

S. Weir Mitchell

S. Weir Mitchell was an American author and physician, known for his contributions to both literature and medicine in the late 19th century. His diverse body of work includes novels, essays, and stories that often explore themes of health, society, and personal struggle. One of his notable works, "Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker," is a historical novel set during the American Revolutionary War, reflecting his interest in American history. Mitchell's writings also delve into psychological topics, as seen in his essay "Fat and Blood," which addresses neurasthenia and hysteria. His unique blend of medical knowledge and literary skill has left a lasting impact on American literature.