History of Palliative Care, 1500-1970

Born in Munich, in 1957, Michael Stolberg is chair of the history of medicine at the University of Würzburg, Germany. He was trained and worked as a physician in internal medicine and intensive care before turning to the history of medicine and obtaining a second doctoral degree in history and philosophy in 1994. He has published a several books and numerous articles on the history of medicine, the history of the body and the history of medical ethics.

“This English language translation, deriving from the 2011 German edition, has been enhanced and updated. It is organized into two main parts: ‘The Early Modern Period (1500–1800)’ and ‘Modern Times (1800–1970).’ … As a result of its readable, succinct chapters, this text is recommended. The work includes extensive detailed footnotes and a selective bibliography. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.” (E. R. Paterson, Choice, Vol. 55 (3), November, 2017)

• Part I: The Early Modern Period (1500–1800).- Ethical Challenges.- The Experience of Death and Terminal Care in Everyday Life.- Part II: Modern Times (1800–1970).- The Rise and Fall of Euthanasia Medica.- The Practice of Palliative Treatment.- The Doctor as an Emotional and Spiritual Caregiver.- The Perspective of Patients.- Ethical Controversies.- Institutional Care.- The Time after 1945.- Conclusion: Continuity and Change.- Selected Bibliography.