WAR SURGERY 1914-18 (Helion Studies in Military History)

This book is an analysis of surgical practice during the Great War, 1914-1918, focusing closely on the human aspects of the surgery of warfare and how developments in the understanding of injuries sustained in warfare occurred.

The First World War resulted in appalling wounds that quickly became grossly infected. The medical profession had to rapidly modify its clinical practice to deal with the major problems presented by overwhelming sepsis. Besides risk of infection, there were many other issues to be addressed including casualty evacuation, anesthesia, the use of X-rays and how to deal with disfiguring wounds - plastic surgery in its infancy.

The core of the book lies in 10 essays covering a wide variety of topics, including: the evacuation of casualties; anesthesia, shock and resuscitation; pathology; X-rays; orthopedic wounds; abdominal wounds; chest wounds; wounds of the skull and brain; the development of plastic surgery. All material is supported by an extensive number of figures, tables and images.

This book is firmly aimed at all those with a passion for the history of this period. While it will be of interest to those in medical spheres the editors have ensured that the essays are accessible and of interest to a non-medical readership.

War Surgery 1914-18 contributes greatly to our understanding of the surgery of warfare. Surgeons working in Casualty Clearing Stations during the years 1914-1918 laid the foundations for modern war surgery as practiced today in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

REVIEWS

"This is a brilliant book. Considering that the editors and contributors are medical professionals, it reads incredibly well as a history book - much more readable than many a military history text! I recommend it wholeheartedly to any historian of the Great War who wishes to develop a broader understanding of battlefield medicine. It has certainly helped me to broaden mine, and I must confess, I now think that researching casualties of war without looking at surgery in war is simply inadequate. "
James Daly, Daly History Blog



"....A most interesting book, both from a World War I historical perspective and from the major changes in medicine that are so well outlined."
British Journal of Surgery


"A most valuable addition to our knowledge of the war it is also a tribute to the pioneers of many aspects of surgery - the evacuation may now be by helicopter and the modern equivalent of the Casualty Clearing Station full of high-tech equipment, but the basic principles established in the Great War for the treatment of wounds are just as valid today and are still helping to save British soldiers' lives in Afghanistan.


Bulletin of the Military Historical Society


The writing is clear, concise, expertly suited to those lacking medical knowledge, yet not passe'e to the expert. The book's many well-chosen illustrations are greatly aided by printing on high quality coated paper. Although it is far too early to name my Great War book of the year, I have little doubt that War Surgery 1914-18 will be a major contender. Very highly recommended.

Stand To! Journal of the Western Front Association



"...an excellent, well presented and well illustrated book, printed on good quality paper... very highly recommended."
Mars & Clio -Newsletter of the British Commission for Military History


"...important reading for anyone involved in war and conflict injuries."
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery



"The production value of this book is very high and the quality of maps, text and photography extremely good. Many of the treatments and protocols that we take for granted now developed out of the trial and error of the wartime period. I recommend this book most highly for those interested in developing a deeper appreciation of the complexity and development of both treatment as well as medical logistics during a time of conflict."
Royal Canadian Air Force Journal