A Body Made of Glass

A Fascinating Dive into the History of the “Imaginary Invalid”

In her insightful book “A Body Made of Glass,” Caroline Crampton takes readers on a captivating journey through the cultural evolution of hypochondria – that obsession with ailments both real and imagined. With a deft hand and meticulous research, Crampton illuminates how society's perceptions of this condition have shifted dramatically over the centuries.

From the hypochondriacal delusions of the 17th century to the modern-day cyberchondriacs diagnosing themselves online, Crampton deftly weaves together medical history, literature, philosophy, and popular culture. Her prose is engaging and accessible, making even the most arcane medical concepts understandable to the general reader.

What makes this book particularly compelling is Crampton's ability to humanize the often-ridiculed hypochondriac. She sensitively explores how factors like gender, class, and rapidly changing scientific knowledge shaped societal judgments about the “imaginary invalids” of different eras. The eccentricities of famous hypochondriacs like Charles Darwin and Andy Warhol are recounted with insight and empathy.

If there is one slight criticism, it's that the book's middle sections can get a bit bogged down in excessive historical detail at times. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise richly researched and thoughtfully crafted cultural history.

Overall, “A Body Made of Glass” is a fascinating read that will likely have you scrutinizing your own aches, pains and WebMD searches in a whole new light. For anyone interested in the curious intersections of medicine and culture, this book is a compelling 4-star must-read.