Confessions of a Knife

by Richard Selzer

Book Overview

Merging art and religion with science, these largely autobiographical essays delve deeply into the emotional territory of medicine commonly avoided by other writers. Never hesitant to admit his own frailties, Selzer draws on his experiences as a surgeon with integrity and wit, allowing readers a first-hand glimpse into the medical world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688064914
• ISBN13: 9780688064914
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Quill
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Literary Masterpiece on the humanity & art of being a physician

First off, thank you PSAT for including a blurb from this book, sending me into a hunt for the full thing. I've since given this to all the aspiring physicians in my life, and some people who just enjoy reading outside of what's familiar. The same literary flair one might expect from F. Scot Fitzgerald or Salinger, but applied to surgical and oncological topics, how fun! Most touching is the vulnerable humanity with which Selzer writes. This is truly one of my all-time favorite books by one of my all-time favorite authors.

The honesty and integrity of this great man speaks volumes

There is nothing so fragile as admitting ones frailties. Richard Selzer does this exquisitely. Always with integrity and self-reflections. Think of "Raccoon." Honestly, how would anyone except a soul of great depth understand the desperation of this patient. To be able to bring it to the level of great literature shows remarkable talent. Richard Selzer is my favorite writer beyond any doubt. I must recommend all of his other books, "Letters to a Young Doctor", "Mortal Lessons", "Down From Troy", etc. Make sure you catch "Raising the Dead" as well, which is a wonderful journalistic book. I was shocked however, to discover Cardizem ads scattered throughout. Ouch! Oh well, whatever it takes for other doctors to read and reflect cannot be all bad