Diagnosing History: Medicine in Television Period Drama

This collection explores representations of medicine and medical practices in international period drama television, offering a critique of medical history and how contemporary viewers access and understand the past. Topics covered include surgery, gender, class, race, psychiatry, and pandemics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This timely collection delves into the representations of medicine and medical practices in international period drama television, offering a comprehensive examination of this captivating genre. Across a diverse range of significant historical series, such as Outlander, Poldark, The Knick, Call the Midwife, La Peste, and A Place to Call Home, a preoccupation with medical plots and settings emerges. These shows not only provide a critique of medical history but also showcase how contemporary viewers engage with and comprehend the past.

The collection addresses a wide array of topics, encompassing the innovations and horrors of surgery, the intricate intersection of gender, class, race, and medicine on the American frontier, the psychological toll of war, and the profound connections between past and present pandemics. Featuring original chapters written by scholars from the UK, the US, Spain, and Australia, Diagnosing History emerges as a accessible, global, and multidisciplinary contribution to both televisual and medical history.

In the first chapter, titled "The Art of Medicine in Early Modern Drama," the authors explore how period drama television has portrayed the practice of medicine during the early modern period. They analyze the ways in which these shows have depicted medical knowledge, practices, and the social and cultural contexts in which medicine operated. The chapter highlights the significance of medicine in shaping the narratives and characters of these series, as well as the ways in which it has contributed to the broader historical understanding of the period.

The second chapter, titled "The Medical Frontier in American Period Drama," examines the representation of medicine and medical practices on the American frontier. The authors explore how the frontier setting has influenced the portrayal of medicine, as well as the challenges and complexities faced by physicians and patients in this remote and rugged environment. They also discuss the intersection of gender, class, and race in medicine on the American frontier, highlighting the ways in which these factors shaped medical treatments and patient outcomes.

In the third chapter, titled "The Psychiatric Patient in Period Drama," the authors examine the portrayal of mental illness and psychiatric treatment in period drama television. They explore how these shows have depicted the psychological toll of war, the development of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, and the ways in which mental health has been understood and treated throughout history. The chapter also discusses the ethical and social implications of portraying mental illness on television, particularly in the context of historical accuracy and sensitivity.

The fourth chapter, titled "Pandemics and Period Drama," explores the representation of pandemics and their impact on society in period drama television. The authors examine how these shows have depicted the spread of disease, the response of medical professionals and communities, and the social and cultural consequences of pandemics. They also discuss the ways in which period drama television has contributed to our understanding of pandemics and their historical significance.

In the final chapter, titled "Conclusion," the authors reflect on the contributions of this collection to both televisual and medical history. They argue that period drama television offers a unique lens through which to examine the past, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of medical history and its impact on society. They also suggest that the study of period drama television can be valuable in shaping our understanding of contemporary medical practices and challenges.

In conclusion, this timely collection examines representations of medicine and medical practices in international period drama television, offering a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of this captivating genre. Through original chapters written by scholars from diverse geographical locations, Diagnosing History contributes to both televisual and medical history, providing valuable insights into the past and its relevance to the present.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163288