Birth: A History

(Paperback)

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Description

This page-turning and jaw-dropping history of childbirth is 'a wonder of a book... a must read for anyone who's ever been born' (Mary Roach). The engaging and eye-opening story of how we and our ancestors entered the world. Through the frigid, blurry January weeks after George was born, I found myself suddenly housebound with time to ruminate - though not time to cook or take a shower. When George was peaceful, my mind returned to that nagging question- why is birth so hit and miss after all this time I needed to put into perspective my own experience. I needed to know what other women, in other cultures, in other times had done. Birth is a book that will open the eyes of even the most informed experts on the subject. Cassidy looks at every aspect of childbirth - from fathers and mothers to doctors and widwives across the centuries - with admirable objectivity in a work that is utterly gripping, occasionally shocking and essential reading for the human race.

Reviews

Finally, a literate and well-informed history of childbirth... A liberating look at how assumptions have changed of what a good childbirth is supposed to be -- Naomi Wolf
Wonderful... Packed full of information, a brilliant mixture of ancient wisdom and modern science -- Kate Mosse
Cassidy is determined to wipe the Vaseline from the lens... There is a collective, willful amnesia about birth that has been begging for her clear-headed dissipation * New York Times Book Review *
A lively, engaging and often witty read; a quirky, eye-opening account of one of life's most elemental experiences * Boston Globe *
Fantastic... a darkly witty guide through the birthing hut * New York Magazine *

Author Bio

Tina Cassidy has been a journalist for more than fifteen years, covering subjects as diverse as politics, sports, business and fashion. She lives in Boston with her husband and their two sons.