Poetry in the Clinic: Towards a Lyrical Medicine

This book explores the previously unexamined overlaps between the poetic imagination and the medical mind, showing how appreciation of poetry can help us engage with medicine in more intense ways. It demonstrates that ambiguity is a key resource in both poetry and medicine and illustrates structural correspondences between poetic diction and clinical thinking. It is an essential read for researchers and practitioners interested in extending the reach of medical and health humanities, narrative medicine, medical education, and English literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the previously unexplored connections between the poetic imagination and the medical mind, unveiling a profound interplay between these two realms. Through a meticulous critical examination of established practices in narrative medicine, Bleakley and Neilson demonstrate that non-narrative, lyrical poetry performs a distinct kind of work, previously unseen. They articulate a groundbreaking 'lyrical medicine' that promotes aesthetic, ethical, and political practices while also uncovering the often-hidden metaphorical cache within biomedicine. By highlighting the inherent ambiguity in both poetry and medicine, the authors unveil poetic and medical practices as forms of extended and situated cognition, rooted in close readings of singular contexts. They illustrate structural correspondences between poetic diction and clinical thinking, such as the use of sound and metaphor.

This provocative exploration of the meaningful overlap between poetic and clinical work stands as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to expand the horizons of medical and health humanities, narrative medicine, medical education, and English literature. By delving into the intricate connections between these two fields, this book offers a fresh perspective on the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. It encourages readers to embrace the power of poetry to enhance our understanding of medicine, while also challenging us to reimagine the ways in which we approach clinical practice.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries between imagination and medicine, and in unlocking the full potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. It provides a rich tapestry of insights and ideas that will inspire and challenge readers alike, as we navigate the complex terrain of healthcare and artistic expression.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032047249