Anatomy of an Illness was the first book by a patient that spoke to our current interest in taking charge of our own health. It started the revolution in patients working with their doctors and using humor to boost their bodies' capacity for healing. When Norman Cousins was diagnosed with a crippling and irreversible disease, he forged an unusual collaboration with his physician, and together they were able to beat the odds. The doctor's genius was in helping his patient to use his own powers: laughter, courage, and tenacity. The patient's talent was in mobilizing his body's own natural resources, proving what an effective healing tool the mind can be. This remarkable story of the triumph of the human spirit is truly inspirational reading.

That correspondence forms the core of this volume, though letters from Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jawaharlal Nehru and Nikita Kruschev are included.

"The body of letters is deeply revealing, intrinsically interesting and of profound historical significance." (Publisher's Source)

"Relying on reports issued by the U.S. General Accounting Office that show billions in waste and fraud, Cousins questions whether agencies that can't protect the wealth and resources of the American taxpayer can be trusted to protect our national security." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)