This is the best general textbook that I have found. (Ackerknecht's is old and assusmes too much historical and cultural background; Bettmann's is even older, and more fun than accurate; Rhodes' is too British for most students.) Most history of medicine is written for readers learned in history or medicine, and Magner is unusual in addressing the actual student and the curious general reader. Magner has obviously taught a real class, to real students. Unfortunately, the publisher is apparently accus..
I took Professor Magner's course at Purdue University and truly enjoyed her style. She speaks to the student as an equal participant, and it shows in her text as well. I have now finished medical school, but still refer to this undergraduate text as both a resource and enjoyable reading material.
