Where Paralytics Walk and the Blind See: Stories of Sickness and Disability at the Juncture of Worlds

In our age of biomedicine, society often treats sickness and disability as problems in need of solution. Phenomena of embodied difference, however, have not always been seen in terms of lack and loss. Where Paralytics Walk and the Blind See explores the case of early modern Catholic Canada under French rule and shows it to be a period rich with alternative understandings of infirmity, disease, and death. These early modern stories invite us to creatively imagine ways of living meaningfully with embodied difference today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In our contemporary society, where biomedicine reigns supreme, the prevailing perspective often treats sickness and disability as issues that require immediate resolution. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the perception of embodied difference has not always been characterized by a sense of deficiency and loss.
"Where Paralytics Walk and the Blind See" delves into the historical context of early modern Catholic Canada under French rule, revealing a time rife with alternative interpretations of infirmity, disease, and mortality. These counter narratives challenge our modern assumptions and invite us to explore innovative ways of embracing and living meaningfully with embodied differences in the present day.

At the core of Dunn's account lies a diverse array of historical sources, including Jesuit accounts of illness in New France, an account of Canada's inaugural hospital, the hagiographic vita of Catherine de Saint-Augustin, and tales of miraculous healings performed by a deceased Franciscan friar. Within the framework of an early modern world deeply rooted in Christian beliefs about salvation, both sickness and disability held profound significance beyond the physical realm, offering opportunities for virtue, compassion, and even redemption.

Dunn's meticulous research demonstrates that when these historical reflections intersect with contemporary thinking, they foster a certain degree of freedom to reimagine the meanings we assign to embodied difference. By reminding us that the interpretations we create about embodied difference are shaped by the historical context in which we live, "Where Paralytics Walk and the Blind See" makes a compelling argument for the role of history in expanding our imaginative horizons.

In conclusion, "Where Paralytics Walk and the Blind See" offers a thought-provoking exploration of early modern accounts of sickness and disability, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which our society has approached bodily difference throughout history. By challenging our modern assumptions and inviting us to embrace alternative perspectives, this book encourages us to broaden our imagination and explore new ways of living meaningfully with the diverse tapestry of embodied differences that exist within our world.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 148 x 222 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691233222