Prod Desc: Someday the town of Hambledon might forget the lies they told about their brilliant young doctor. But they could never forgive the truths he told about them. From this compelling story of a doctor at war with the world he has been taught to heal, Taylor Caldwell has fashioned a novel of an unforgettable, angry idealist -- a novel in which the drama of new medical frontiers becomes part of a sweeping chronicle of love, death, desire, and redemption.I was introduced to the wonderful writing of Taylor Caldwell while still in high school. From this book, I went on to read many more of her books. The sign of a really well-written story is when you can recall it from memory many years' later. I can so do with many of Calwell's book, and none more than this one. The book is filled with wonderful characters. Jonathan Ferrier fighting to modernize medical practices in his town and fought, and even vilified, by the old guard. The story contains the conflict of brothers, betrayal, and love. This is a story in which one becomes completely immersed and is superbly told, start to end. If you've not experienced this fine author, I highly recommend giving her a try.TESTIMONY OF TWO MEN - ExCaldwell, Taylor - StandaloneDoubleday & Company, Inc., 1968, US Hardcover - LOC 68-13137
Excellent book, portraying not only the difficulty the medical profession had within its own ranks to recognize germs and the prevention of infection, but also the intricacies of human motive and behaviour in general. She is a master story-weaver.Taylor Caldwell, an excellent author, held positions in the US Department of Justice as well. Her books cover historical figures and well as fictional characters/stories which portray a historical period. But what I love is that she had understanding the socio-political climes in which she sets her stories and it's interesting (or perhaps just sad) to read how nothing really changes. What was true of our socio-political world in 1900 and 1920 remains true today. We are not learning.
What do You think about Testimony Of Two Men (1984)?
I have been a voracious reader since childhood and I read this after viewing the miniseries of this book on TV. I don't really remember the miniseries all that well but I did end up reading the book after viewing the TV program while I Was a youngster in the 70s. This particular miniseries was never made into a DVD as far as I know. However, over the years I must have reread this book 100s of times. This is my #1 favorite book for all time. The story of the complex protagonist Jonathan Ferrier was compelling. I also enjoyed the medical history as well. Caldwell really brings the setting of the story to life with her phenomenal descriptions of everything from the people , to outdoor scenery, to clothing and furniture. I feel that I am right there in the middle of the story seeing what the characters in the book are seeing and experiencing with their senses. Caldwell is truly the outstanding painter of "word pictures" and that is just what I like and demand from my period reading material. She does an outstanding job of transporting the reader to the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century.
—Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder
This one of the nine books my mom wanted me to read, while she read my beloved Harry Potters (plus two others she hasn't gotten to yet). This is one of her very favorite books and I can see why. The story was enticing! I had a little trouble getting into it, maybe the first hundred pages, but the remaining 600 flew for me. I found the medical history aspect of it fascinating. I loved the main character, Jon. He's sometimes difficult to love, but he reminds me a lot of myself, so the book was easy to relate to. The story behind his arrest and everything kept me guessing until fairly near the end. It was a great book.
—Clara
