Auteur : Stewart, Roderick 1934-

Maison d'édition : New Press

Date de publication : 1973

Collation : xiii, 210 p.,16 p. de pl. : ill., portr.

ISBN : 088701914

Langue : Anglais

Table des matières : 1. A race of passionate men -- 2. The T.B.'s progress -- 3. Second chance -- 4. I am an artist -- 5. Madrid is Centre of the World -- 6. An empty homeland -- 7. Huan-ying, Huan-ying -- 8. I have found my mission in life -- 9. The legene

Résumé : Norman Bethune's name is among the most famous and admired in the world, yet he is little known in his native land. Hundreds of millions of Chinese know a legend of an amazing Canadian doctor who gave his life for their revolution, but the complete story of his life has never been told before.
Bethune was born and educated in Ontario, and in the 1930's became a distinguished thoracic surgeon in Montreal. Despite his success, he was lonely and unhappy in both his marriage and medical career. His ideals and attitudes, far different from most Canadians of his day, and his shifting ambitions and odd personal behaviour, drove him away from his colleagues, from his native land and from the woman who loved him longest, Frances Penney.
He went to Spain in 1936 to fight fascism, returned to Canada briefly on a fund-raising tour, then set out for China to help Mao Tse-tung. He was soon recognized as a valued ally of Mao, and an inspiration to the famous Eighth Route Army. On his death in China in 1939, he became one of the authentic heroes of the Chinese Revolution.
For four years Roderick Stewart has researched this astonishing life, and recounts it with many direct quotes from Bethune himself and those who knew him best. Most of what has been written or filmed about Bethune has concentrated on his heroism and self-sacrifice. Stewart goes far beyond the legend and describes Bethune as completely as four years of scrupulous research allow.
Bethune was a fascinating, obnoxious, attractive man, with highly erratic ambitions and personal oddities that offended many people. He also meant, for millions of people whom he had never known, inspiration, healing, education, amusement, and finally, a heroic example.
Roderick Stewart has travelled through Canada, Sapin, the USA, China, England, and Mexico interviewing people who knew Bethune, and seeing places where he worked. Stewart teaches history at the University of Toronto Schools and lives in Markham, Ontario.

Mots-clés : Bethune, Norman, 1890-1939 / Chirurgiens - Canada - Biographies / Chirurgiens - Chine - Biographies / Chirurgiens - Espagne - Biographies

Cote : WZ 100 S851b 1973