Bare-knuckle Surgeon - by Nick Black (Paperback)

About the Book

Based on real events, the story of how in 1828 a young surgeon, Thomas Wakley, established The Lancet which, by taking on the corruption, nepotism and unaccountability of doctors, initiated modern health care.

Book Synopsis

Incompetent surgeons, corrupt royal colleges, nepotism and quackery. The medical establishment - a small coterie of self-serving doctors - went unchallenged.

Until 1823, when a young surgeon, son of a farmer, who'd survived being at sea, mastered bare-knuckle fighting, and escaped assassination, did what no doctor had dared.

Risking ruin, Thomas Wakley established The Lancet, an uncompromising radical journal which scandalized the establishment and initiated modern health care.

Why him? What made him do what thousands hadn't?

Based on true events, this novel tells how this ingenious man overcame adversities, driven by his passion for reform.

Review Quotes

'A stirring, highly imaginative, and - for all the fact that it is a novel - a convincing account of the early life of Thomas Wakley - the man who founded The Lancet, and thus paved the way for modern medicine. The battles, the setbacks and the occasional triumphs that led him to that are told with vim and vigour. If this is not quite what actually happened, it captures the spirit that was to instil The Lancet's early days. A cracking read.' - Nicholas Timmins, The Five Giants

'A meticulously researched and compelling tale, Nick Black brilliantly brings to life the unregulated and fascinating world of early nineteenth century medicine. This book is an enthralling look at a long-neglected medical hero. Such a fascinating story - really loved it.' - Hannah Wunsch, The Autumn Ghost

'Thomas Wakley was one of medicine's most important reformers - needling the pompous, exposing the corrupt, holding the mighty to account. Bare-Knuckle Surgeon animates this remarkable man and situates him in a vibrant medical world on the cusp of revolution. If you value well-researched, lightly worn scholarship or just enjoy a good story, this is for you.' - Paul Craddock, Spare Parts

'Nick Black transports us back to Georgian England, where medicine is unregulated and nepotism is rife. He weaves the story of Thomas Wakley's early years into this patchwork, bringing a very human face to the founder of The Lancet. For the first time, this book recognises his achievement in doing what no other doctor had ever done, initiating reform. I really loved it. It's extraordinary Wakley isn't better known.' - Ellen Welch, Why Can't I see My GP?