A key volume on a central aspect of the history of medicine and its social relations, The History of Healthcare in Public and Private examines how the modernisation of healthcare resulted in a wide variety of changing social arrangements in both public and private spheres.

This book considers a comprehensive range of topics ranging from children's health, mental disorders and the influence of pharmaceutical companies to the systems of twentieth century healthcare in Britain, Eastern Europe and South Africa. Covering a broad chronological, thematic and global scope, chapters discuss key themes such as how changing economies have influenced configurations of healthcare, how access has varied according to lifecycle, ethnicity and wealth, and how definitions of public and private have shifted over time.

Containing illustrations and a general introduction that outlines the key themes discussed in the volume, The History of Healthcare in Public and Private is essential reading for any student interested in the history of medicine.

Reviews

"This rich, engaging, and highly innovative volume places the "mixed economy of health care"-the interplay of public, private, and philanthropic interests in the provision of health care-at the center of health care history. Moving from the 17th century through the late 20th century and traversing Britain, Europe, the U.S., and South Africa, Healthcare in Private and Public from the Early Modern Period to 2000 will be a welcome and refreshing addition to undergraduate syllabi in the history of medicine."

Dominique Tobbell, University of Minnesota, USA

"This rich, engaging, and highly innovative volume places the "mixed economy of health care"-the interplay of public, private, and philanthropic interests in the provision of health care-at the center of health care history. Moving from the 17th century through the late 20th century and traversing Britain, Europe, the U.S., and South Africa, Healthcare in Private and Public from the Early Modern Period to 2000 will be a welcome and refreshing addition to undergraduate syllabi in the history of medicine."

Dominique Tobbell, University of Minnesota, USA

"Curated, edited, introduced, and concluded by renowned medical historian Paul Weindling, this volume is a collection of insightful, carefully crafted essays by a group of cutting-edge UK scholars. With a primary emphasis on the UK, North America, and Western Europe, contributors explore what can be characterized as a 'mixed economy of healthcare,' i.e., the interrelationships among governmental, private/philanthropic, and marketplace-driven dynamics of providing populations with health care. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels."

I. Richman, emeritus, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus, CHOICE Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415727037
Author Paul Weindling
Format Paperback
Page Count 258
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 900g