Leprosy and Empire: A Medical and Cultural History (Cambridge Social and Cultural Histories Book 8)

Name: Leprosy and Empire: A Medical and Cultural History (Cambridge Social and Cultural Histories Book 8)
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Book Synopsis: An innovative, interdisciplinary study of why leprosy, a disease with a very low level of infection, has repeatedly provoked revulsion and fear. Rod Edmond explores, in particular, how these reactions were refashioned in the modern colonial period. Beginning as a medical history, the book broadens into an examination of how Britain and its colonies responded to the believed spread of leprosy. Across the empire this involved isolating victims of the disease in 'colonies', often on offshore islands. Discussion of the segregation of lepers is then extended to analogous examples of this practice, which, it is argued, has been an essential part of the repertoire of colonialism in the modern period. The book also examines literary representations of leprosy in Romantic, Victorian and twentieth-century writing, and concludes with a discussion of traveller-writers such as R. L. Stevenson and Graham Greene who described and fictionalised their experience of staying in a leper colony.

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Delve into the intriguing history of leprosy with "Leprosy and Empire: A Medical and Cultural History." This groundbreaking book by Rod Edmond offers a unique interdisciplinary study that explores the deep-rooted fear and revulsion associated with this disease throughout history. Uncover how leprosy shaped societal perceptions and responses in both medical and colonial contexts, shedding light on the impact of imperialism on public health practices.

Discover how leprosy, despite its low infection rates, managed to incite widespread panic and prompt extreme measures such as isolating sufferers in distant colonies. Through examining literary representations of leprosy in various eras, from Romantic to twentieth-century writing, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of how the disease was portrayed and understood over time.

Join the likes of famous traveller-writers such as R. L. Stevenson and Graham Greene as they recount their experiences in leper colonies, intertwining reality with fiction to create compelling narratives. "Leprosy and Empire" offers a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into the complexities of colonialism, public health, and cultural perceptions surrounding this enigmatic disease.

Ready to unravel the mysteries of leprosy and its impact on history? Dive into "Leprosy and Empire: A Medical and Cultural History" today!

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