Tuesday 2 June 2009

Dr. Norman Bethune












This month, for my Book Review, I wanted to write about the book: The Mind of Norman Bethune, by Roderick Stewart (1990).



While there are those who question the minds of men and war, it is a large book, with photos that truly help us understand this time period.

Outside the Gravenhurst Opera House, you will find a stunning statue of this man. I just noticed, after living in the region for 3 years, that the side of the base features stunning images, as well. Be sure to check them out!


Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst in 1890. Henry Norman Bethune's story started in Gravenhurst, Ontario, a small lumbering town 100 miles north of Toronto.

Dr. Bethune (1890 - 1939) did phenomenal work in China, and learned much that helped contribute to the MASH-type surgery in the field. We have many visitors to the museum, where you can see a short video, and visit Bethune Memorial House. The artifacts, and visual images, provide an understanding of this man using photographic and literary archives.

This is my kind of history book. It is large, with great photos, maps, stamps, and other resources. It is not so much a biography as a testimonial that is designed to go hand-in-hand with other more scholarly sources. The final chapter examines the deep love the Chinese have for the work Dr. Bethune did for the people as evidenced by sculptures and memorials in that country.

Currently it is not available on either Amazon.ca or Amazon.com, but they are for sale in the local museum in Gravenhurst!



See also:
Gravenhurst Museums:
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada

Bethune House
In 1973 Bethune Memorial House was purchased by the Department of External Affairs on behalf of the Government of Canada. Restoration of the building was subsequently undertaken by Parks Canada, which is now responsible for its operation.

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@Barrie Summy

6 comments:

Keri Mikulski said...

Wow.. Interesting info. Thanks! :)

I'm with you. I love history books with tons of pics. ;)

David Cranmer said...

I just spent some time scowering the net for more info on Norman Bethune. Intriguing post and history. Thanks.

Barrie said...

I remember the statue! Great choice for a book review!

Bee said...

I don't know anything about this man! This is, once again, the reason why I love blogging . . .

Thanks for the review.

Sarahlynn said...

Maps, photos. and other pedagogy are the parts that really stick with me after reading a book like this!

Jenn Jilks said...

Many do not know of this man's contributions! What a life he had.

This is true of all the pedagogical tools: the most effective, of course, are the visual and kinesthetic hands-on activities! The museum is quite spectacular between the beautiful house in which it is housed, and the video.

Thanks for visiting!