RISING FROM THE FLAMES is a rare sort of scientific book, one fully accessible and indeed fascinating to any literate lay person. It uses technical terms sparingly; these are almost always either clearly defined or comprehensible in context. No reader need shy away from this book in the fear that it will be "over his head." Facility of reading is enhanced by the authors' frequent use of section breaks and headings. One does not have to read more than a couple of pages before finding one of these helpful organizing devices. Numerous photos add greatly to clarity and explanation of points in the text. Another rare achievement of the book is its blend of science and sympathy. As its subtitle, The Experience of the Severely Burned, suggests, the authors show an amazing ability to convey what it feels like to be severely burned, to show and explain the psychology of burn victims. Frequently and throughout the book such feelings are conveyed by the authors' use of case histories. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this book is its rich breadth of reference, seen especially in Chapter 5, "Myths of Fire and Burns," and Chapter 6, "Darkman and Other Images of Burns in Popular Culture." Here we find discussion of views or representations of fire in all the world's major cultures and religious myths. Film treatments of fire constitute virtually a distinct genre; while many seek to exploit the horror of burn disfigurement, others display insight and even sympathy. Fire, for good and ill, is a powerful element in our lives. Reading this book will greatly increase anyone's understanding of it.

As a premedical student, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of work...It examines the physical and emotional aspects of a first year med student quite well. A must-read for anyone contemplating a career in medicine.

In the fall I will begin my first semester as a medical school student. I find the prospect of gross anatomy terrifying, and this book did an excellent job of lessening my anxiety towards the course and towards the ordeal that is medical school itself.

The author provides the reader with an opportunity to experience something unique and different -- human dissection.For those involved in medical education, the dissectioin experience is portrayed in a sensitive, insightful and accurate manner. The author's essays and illustrations of the dissections by Versalius provides a sensory of history and meaning that any health propfessions student about to take gross anatomy would find fscinating. This book is must reading for any first year medical student and should be on anyone's list who is concerned with the education of health professionals.