A View from the Head End. By Steve M. Yentis, B.Sc., M.B.B.S., M.D., F.R.C.A. Harley, United Kingdom, TFM Publishing, 2005. Pages: 128. Price: £14.95 GBP, $29.95 US, $39.95 CAN, €23 EUR.
A View from the Head End is a collection of humorous drawings the author completed in the course of some 20 yr as a British anesthetist. Most were spontaneous, drawn between cases and at odd moments in the day-to- day life of the author. They are presented in their original state and represent thoughts and notions from life in the operating room, wards, and clinic. The collection is organized into 12 specific chapters, including Theatricals, Mothers and Babies, Painful Clinics, and Passing the Exam.
This reviewer was generally moved to a smile or laughter by the thought-provoking presentations. Although the humor was somewhat dry at times, I was able to relate to most of these comical drawings. However, while some drawings are from an earlier time, unfortunately, in this day and age, the author comes across at times as not only politically incorrect, but condescending and intolerant of patients. There is always a fine line between humor and offense, and in my opinion, the line is sometimes crossed here—although not all may agree.
Should the reader find this material pleasing, they should make a purchase. However, it is not something that I would necessarily pass around the office or leave unattended in the call room.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota. ereth.mark@mayo.edu
