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In this fascinating book, Johanna Emeney examines the global proliferation of new poetry related to illness and medical treatment from the perspective of doctors, patients, and carers in light of the growing popularity of the medical humanities. She provides a close analysis of poetry from New Zealand, the USA, and the UK that deals with sociological and philosophical aspects of sickness, ailment, medical treatment, care, and recuperation.

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"This book succeeds magnificently in illuminating an important slice of the work of a group of contemporary New Zealand poets, of challenging the disparaging views of some of their reviewers, and, most importantly, of adding another volume of fine poetry to their number. The whole book is written with subtlety and lightness of touch, yet a sharply persuasive edge. It draws attention to a topic of great social importance: the need for modern medicine to treat not just the disease, but the whole person, and for medical professionals to find creative ways to communicate with their patients in the most humane ways possible."-Mike Hanne, Associate Professor at Auckland University, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

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Johanna Emeney, PhD, works as a tutor of Creative Writing at Massey University in Auckland and as co-facilitator of the Michael King Young Writers´ Programme for senior school students. Emeney read English Literature and Japanese at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Two books of poetry: Apple & Tree (Cape Catley, 2011) and Family History (Makaro Press, 2017).

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