From the height of colonialism in the mid-nineteenth century, through to the aftermath of the Second World War, nurses have been at the heart of colonial projects. They were ideally placed to insinuate the 'improving' culture of their employers into the local communities they served, and travelled in droves to far-flung parts of the globe to serve their country. Issues of gender, class and race permeate this book, as the complex relationships between nurses, their medical colleagues, governments and the populations they nursed are examined in detail, using case studies which draw on exciting new sources. Many of the chapters are based on first-hand accounts of nurses and reveal that not all were motivated by patriotic vigour or altruism, but went out in search of adventure. The book will be an essential read for colonial historians, as well as historians of gender and ethnicity.

About the Author

Helen Sweet is a Research Associate at the Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine, University of Oxford

Sue Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in History at Kingston University London

Reviews

'A treasure trove of fresh insight, new research and analysis this book demonstrates the vibrancy of nursing history. Its editors should be congratulated for their vision and energy in bringing together a series of chapters which express not only the many meanings of colonialism, but reveal how nursing provides a kaleidoscope through which to view broader social attitudes towards race, class, gender and the value of care from a comparative perspective.'
Anne Marie Rafferty, Professor of Nursing and Dean of the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London

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Book Information
ISBN 9780719099700
Author Helen Sweet
Format Hardback
Page Count 264
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publisher Manchester University Press