This book is excilent reading and is very informitive. It also is a helpful tool in family research this book has all the answers and more, I know that if you choose to read this book you will not only enjoy it you will have a great knowlage of your family history.

Unfortunately this book was published in 1991.I have not found any revision. Some of the more recent serology and other testing was not known at that time. As an example MRI has been significantly improved since 1991.
In spite of it's 1991 publication date this is a carefully composed and well documented monograph of the Neurologic Implications of this terrible disease.The author is a well respected Neurologist. Excellent References for each chapter.
At the time it was written the controversary surrounding Lyme
Disease was not so combative and political as it is today.
Keeping that in mind this book is a wonderful resource for any physician treating Lyme patients.
The discussion includes Pathogenesis, Pathology, Clinical Features
and an excellent documentation of the unquestioned fact of Neurological Lyme Disease (Neuroborreliosis). There are treatment recomendations that are still useful today and a sample of helpful color plates. There is a valuable discussion of Seronegative Lyme Disease and of Magnetic Resonance Images. Keep in mind that this book is only 130 pages. But not a word is wasted and it is unfortunate that a revision and expanded edition has not been published. Anyone treating these patients should have this book in addition to other appropriate texts. I have an interest in this subject and readers ...
Kenny

I had received this book as a present in 1992 when I lived in Lyme Regis full-time, and took this marvelous guide with me on my travels in and around the Undercliff. Mrs Franks has obviously spent much quality time studying the flora and fauna of this precious ecosystem and with her talented pencils has reproduced her vision of that world in a beautiful and just manner (butterflies with tattered wings, etc). I can't say (write) enough about this reference - except that if one views it solely as a reference book then half the fun and excitement laying wait within its pages will be sorely missed.
Three cheers to the author/illustrator, Elaine Franks -

THE WIDENING CIRCLE: A Lyme Disease Pioneer Tells Her Story. By Polly Murray. St. Martin's Press, 321 pp., $23.95 By Ann Hirschberg Infectious disease sleuths are supposed to be lab-coated AIDS researchers or Dustin Hoffman types in "hot zone" suits as seen in "Outbreak." A genteel, New England landscape painter and mother of four does not fit the picture. Yet this medical pioneer uncovered Lyme disease, the fastest growing infectious disease next to AIDS and the number one vector-borne disease in our country. The "Widening Circle" in Polly Murray's title refers not only to the expanding tell-tale rash which is the sure sign of Lyme disease, but to the research that has had to reach further and further to find the answers to this insidious tick-borne scourge. The "Circle" also encompasses the incredible numbers of medical professionals to whom Lyme disease sufferers are sent by uninformed doctors who can't or won't try to treat them. After an incredible range of symptoms and many hospital stays for pain and procedures for the whole Murray family, Polly was told the illness was "all in her head." Her doctor became furious when she approached the health department with her findings that not only her family, but a large cluster of people in her Lyme, Connecticut area were afflicted. He accused her of "stirring up trouble." Murray's intelligence and persistence led her to more research and finally to Yale University in 1975 where her findings were considered researchable by the doctors there. "They were spirited, like archaeologists who'd unearthed an intriguing artifact, some bit of pottery that promises even greater riches will surface with just a few more turns of the spade. "I certainly shared their enthusiasm. On the other hand, I'd been "in the field" for a while, and I knew it wasn't going to be easy to figure everything out so fast. Whatever this illness was, it was complicated, in that it involved so many systems of the body, and my instincts told me it was going to elude definition for some time to come." Twenty years later, the search should have come to a happy ending with the advance of medical technology and millions in grants for research. The definitive test for Lyme disease and the "magic bullet" treatment should have been discovered. Sadly, there is still no conclusive, reliable test for Lyme disease. Grants are sparse and the medical archeological "spades" are turning slowly. It is known that early treatment with antibiotics can arrest the disease. Left untreated, patients face the horrific sequalae Murray and her family still endure. Though the disease has been reported in all 50 states, most doctors are not well informed and many are still saying," You can't have that in Ohio" and "There has never been a case reported here." The Ohio Department of Health Vector-borne Disease Unit figures stand at close to 500 reported cases. Though many doctors are not reporting cases (too much paperwork), the Centers for Disease Control case numbers showed a 58% increase in the U.S. in 1994. Polly Murray's measured journey through this painful odyssey continues. Her tenacity and reasoned clarity shine through her writing. Along the way, you get to know her wonderful family, two of whom became doctors: a heroic accomplishment, all things considered. Murray continues the search for answers and has become not just a symbol, but a dedicated educator. She addresses medical professionals and researchers, including an appearance at Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, where one son was a student in 1989. "The Widening Circle" goes beyond a tale of medical sleuthing. Murray knows the patient's struggle with Lyme disease and the parent's anguish. This book has much well researched and first-hand information for physicians and patients. She examines the need for education, collaboration, and respect, and explains why these are required not only of researchers, but of physicians treating Lyme disease patients in order to deal with this puzzling affliction.

Its not often a layperson can be introduced to complex science and come away learning, understanding and appreciating technical issues while enjoying the process. Jonathan Edlow accomplishes all this and more. In addition to allowing the reader to quickly and easily learn and understand the subtleties of Lyme disease and wide range of related medical topics, the author also introduces us to a broad cast of characters: Lyme disease victims, their families and protagonists; sophisticated academic researchers on several continents; medical sleuths with the single-mindedness of hounds on the hunt; and physician-healers struggling to make sense of the unknown and unknowable as they treat their suffering patients. Edlow makes them all real human beings and allows us to get into their minds and see the mystery of Lyme disease from each different viewpoint. Finally, Edlow assembles all this in a fast-paced mystery story decorated with historical examples and analogies that makes it clear to the reader that discovery and history are unfolding in each exciting chapter.

Bulls Eye is a great read. If Dr. Edlow can repeat this accomplishment in arenas other than medicine, he will be widely recognized as another John McPhee.

When I received this book and saw "Yale University Press" emblazoned on the back, I thought, "Oh, no... another biased view of Lyme disease coming from the institution long associated with the conservative, repressive view (Edlow calls it "conventional") of Lyme disease." I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. This was a much better book than I expected and the Yale Lyme view is kept in perspective.

Edlow does a good job of presenting the politics of Lyme Disease, outlining the positions of the two camps he identifies as the "conventional" and "alternative" in a fairly unbiased fashion. (He even points out the irony of the terms. When it comes to Lyme disease, the conventional side advocates some pretty wacky theories without much scientific basis and the alternative side advocates sufficient antibiotics to control the disease.)

I was a little annoyed by Edlow's fawning over Allan Steere, the figurehead of the conventional camp. But read closely and you will see that Steere and his followers have been wrong in just about every one of their initial positions and Steere is given too much credit for his contributions to the science of Lyme Disease. Contrary to Edlow's apologies for him, Steere, arrogance personified, is slow to pick up on the obvious and is most often wrong. Abused patients and other scientists led the charge.

This is a minor quibble. There is excellent information on Lyme testing, the vaccination fiasco, and Lyme politics. There is much about the process of medical discovery. Edlow is quite fair and concludes with the real issue - the conventional camp, holding institutional power, should not be censoring and abusing proponents of alternate viewpoints. If you have Lyme disease, think you might, or know someone who does, read Karen Forschner's book first. If you feel you need some balance, want more background, or are interested in medical sleuthing and politics, read Edlow's, too.

Not only an excellent story that keeps your interest, but a real lesson to be learned by anyone involved in health care. The Lyme story reveals much about the doctor-patient relationship (or, frequently, the lack thereof) that every physician should read. A must read for anyone interested in the dynamics of both Lyme Disease and doctor-patient relations written as mystery novel

My children and I have chronic Lyme disease. I was misdiagnosed for over twelve years and unknowingly passed the disease to my children via pregnancy. Contrary to the reader's statement that this is an "alarmist" book, this book is a MUST READ, especially for anyone suffering with this disease. The reader who stated otherwise should be ashamed to have sounded the alarmist bell him/herself (especially since that reader does NOT have Lyme disease and therefore has no idea of the suffering involved)! Antibiotics are effective only if the disease is caught early, as early as within 48 hours of infection and perhaps as long as up to 6 weeks after infection. Otherwise, the odds dramatically decrease for antibiotics working to rid one of Lyme disease. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are apparent, it is usually too late for antibiotics to effectively treat the disease. Only approximately 40% of persons with Lyme disease remember a tick bite or develop the "bull's-eye" rash. Therefore, most persons with the disease go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and untreated for an extended time. Once finally diagnosed after I was again bitten and did see a tick bite and rash, my children and I suffered through several months of antibiotic treatment that made us sicker, not better, and not just from spirochete "die off", but because the antibiotics started to attack our systems. Most persons with Lyme disease WILL continue with certain possibly irreversible symptoms, such as Lyme-related arthritis, even after antibiotic treatment. Integrative medicine, which is a combination treatment of homeopathic (alternative, such as certain herbs and nutritional supplements) and allopathic (conventional, such as antibiotics) as well as dietary changes (such as reduction or elimination of meat consumption, as well as eliminating all sugars) appears to be the best approach for sufferers of Lyme disease, especially those with chronic Lyme disease. The fact is that Lyme disease IS scary and IS a huge problem of epidemic proportion that MUST be addressed. Sticking ones head in the sand and hoping it will simply go away or ignoring the cold, hard, at times frightening facts of this disease is irresponsible. The reader who refuses to give this book to his/her friend who has Lyme disease is doing that friend a grave disservice. Those of us with Lyme disease recognize a factual account as opposed to an "alarmist" point of view. I for one appreciate the TRUTH. This book is well researched and honestly written. EVERYONE should read this book, whether they have Lyme disease or not. Often, persons diagnosed with nervous system disorders, such as MS, or autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, actually have Lyme disease. I reiterate: THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE.

Information presented in this book is essential for anyone (public or medical professional)who wants to know the latest on Lyme disease. Factual information, presented in an understandable format that never underestimates the reader's intelligence and common sense, is presented by one of the true heroes in the Lyme disease saga. Mrs. Vanderhoof-Forschner's personal experience is the driving force behind this well-executed, fact-filled, medically-sound and resource-filled book. This is a must for anyone serious about this complex disease and a handy reference guide for further information.

Rita L. Stanley, Ph.D.

Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner has taken a very complex topic and clearly explained all of the intricacies of ticks, the bacteria, the symptoms and the treatment of a rapidly expanding health threat. She does a masterful job of presenting factual balanced information in a non-threatening manner.Ms. Vanderhoof-Forschner's dedication to overcoming this disease is evident in the quality of her research and her devotion to educating a world that was unaware.Everyone intersted in taking control of their healthcare should buy this book for their healthcare library.

When I started reading The French Lt's Woman, i was expecting some very sad, tragic and hard to follow, but what I got is quite the opposite: the book gives you good laughs sometimes and it is very catching. I think that the fact of being written more than a hundrer years later than the time when the story takes place allows the writer to have a critical and ironic inight in his characters and events as well.

Fowles is a master when it comes to go over the XIX century using the XX century approach. From time to time he reminds us that when the book was being written most of the moral of its characters and situations had already changed. On the other hand, we can see that the world hasn't changed at all in many other subjects dealt in the book.

I guess that when the book was first published in the late '60s it caught on, and it is easy to understand, The French... goes with the sixties ideas.

To sum up, it is a book interesting for anyone who enjoys a good writting and wants to see how different ( or similar) we are from the Victorian Era.

. . . or maybe two thousand. I am another person who read this book because a friend had read it, and was so enthusiastic about it that I could not bear not knowing what she was talking about. That was two months ago. I've read it twice since then, and started college, and any myriad of other things.

In brief: It's a traditional tale; young man of means (Charles) is engaged to socially acceptable, safe young woman (Tina). He meets enigmatic, enticing other woman; finds her incredibly attractive; his life changes utterly and completely because of this. (Sounds a bit like _The Age of Innocence_.) Ah, but as a reviewer said about another eminent author, describing the plot does not begin to describe the novel. The plot is to the book as noodles are to tuna noodle casserole: important, but not half of it.

The book is set in Victorian England; it is rife with philosophical speculation, but not in such a way as to make you feel that you are reading a textbook. He sets forth Charles's experiences and his changing worldview in such a sensible way, letting you draw Charles's conclusions with him. Fowles does an amazing job of showing you his mind, as well as those of lesser characters.

Which brings me to another point. Even if you do not like the philosophical side of it, TFLW is worth reading for the language and the style. It is written in Victorian English, with a strange twist of modernity (mid-twentieth century and ageless modernity). Fowles is amazing at showing-not-telling (as the English teachers counsel) and his descriptions will blow you away.

On top of all that, it is a good story. It is not a happy story, really, but it is not, in truth, depressing. It's romantic, it's elating, it's sad, it's powerful . . . It is the kind of story you want to reread immediately. Which I did.

Though the story in this novel takes place in the Victorian era of England in 1869, it was written a century later, allowing the author and the reader to view the entire time period in retrospect, and make several observations on the age as it pertains to the story he tells. That story involves a young gentleman, Charles, engaged to a suitable young lady, Ernestina, the daughter of a successful tradesman. Charles becomes intrigued by the local outcast Sarah, also known (most euphemistically) as "The French Lieutenant's Woman," and they share an attraction that defies his social station and, as a societal outcast, her lack of one.

Throughout the novel, Fowles inserts information about the era, and highlights in particular the hypocrisy of sexual attitudes and roles. Charles and Sarah find themselves victims of these restrictions, and as such their romance is doomed from the start. Charles convinces himself that he has a truly selfless motive in attempting to help Sarah, whom he sees as a victim, and ends up weaving a web of deceit to himself and others as he fails to see himself falling in love with her. As the novel progresses, one can read in the comments about Victorian standards, commentary about our own modern age. By holding this bygone age up to our own, Fowles shows us how far we've come, and how little we've left behind.

To enhance the immersive storytelling, the prose is written in a style reminiscent of the Victorian authors themselves. In fact, in one section where Fowles points out such contradictions as the fact that in this age when lust was a forbidden topic, one in every sixty houses in London was a brothel, the paragraph might easily be read as "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." But even in this emulation, he uses more modern literary methods, such as giving a false ending more than a hundred pages before the real end, and inserting himself as a character in the story. These feats are done with expertise and flair, and though they are jarring at first, it quickly becomes apparent that even the tricks are part of the story.

Held up against the story of the upper-class Charles is the subplot of Sam, his manservant. Sam also has his own romance with Mary, a maid in Ernestina's aunt's household. The societal standards for Charles and for Sam are compared and contrasted throughout the book, creating an intriguing duality of storytelling, which leaves the upper-class Victorians looking somewhat the worse for comparison.

If you don't mind a novel that's hard to put down, and very tempting to re-read as soon as you've finished, I strongly recommend The French Lieutenant's Woman.

Loaded with lots of essential information. Highly recommend it as ONE of the "primers".

...if you have been wondering if you have Lyme or have just been diagnosed. This book has been informative and a great resource. However, be prepared for a slightly depressing turn through the symptoms chapter. I had a tough time with this one, since it was me, all the way. I would highly recommend it as tool for working with your MD and as a handy reference guide.

As an eleven year suffer of Chronic Lyme Disease I found Coping with Lyme Disease to be an accurate,reliable, informative source of both the Disease itself and the politics involved with Lyme Disease.It is a must read for any person who has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease or who suspects they have it and can't find a Doctor to treat it. I have bought many copies of this book and share it with both other Lyme victims and Physicians within my community that are not knowledgeable about this devistating illness and the politics that surround it. Denise Lang did a wonderful job in both editions of this book!

I owe my good health today to MSP. In 1994 I became ill with what I thought was the flu, turned out to be Lyme disease. It never got better. I lost my ability to work, I was a court reporter, because I never knew how I would feel from one day to the next. I slept 15 to 20 hours a day, fevers, joints became so painful I had to use a cane. This lasted for a year. Took antibiotics but then felt even worse, because of the Candidiasis. Someone gave me an 800 number for MSP. I had nothing to lose. I figured I would end up in a wheelchair. I ordered a bottle, and the book. I was not too impressed with the book, I must say. It wandered a bit. Before I started the MSP, I insisted on speaking with Dr. Farber. He called me and described my symptoms and exactly what I could expect. Within in four days I noticed a difference. My fever broke. I did not need to sleep all day. Within two weeks I was able to walk without problems. I was off antibiotics. Within three months, I was able to lift weights, do everything I had before my illness. Dr. Farber saved my life. I was saddened to hear of his passing. If you have Lyme disease, you must try MSP. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I call it my miracle, and there are so few these days.

I have read the MICRO SILVER BULLET no less than four times. Each time
I read this book I have gotten something else out of it. I think the
author put too much of his personal life in the book including baby
pictures of himself. What I really liked about the book is that it is
written so the average person can understand its contents and learn
about all the good health tips Dr. Farber had for his
readers. Dr. Farber once told me, by reading his book it would be like
sitting down and talking to him for the past 30 years. I once told
Dr. Farber that he had more degrees after his name than I have on my
thermomter in my medicine cabinet. Dr. Farber wrote this book after
winning a battle with Lyme disease. Only after exhausting all of his
normal holistic healing methods and that of regular medicine and
antibiotics did he find the answer to the Lyme disease. He found this
answer in what he called The Dead Sea Scrolls of Modern Medicine. His
research led him to find colloidal silver. The silver raised his body
to the highest degree of homeostasis and the Lyme disease left his
body. He wrote the book so his story could be shared with the
world. For the most part, the book reviews have been very good. There
has been one who has called the contents of this book a con-job. It
seems funny that those that do, don't seem to share any credentials
with us as far as holistic or medical background. Are they self
appointed experts? From personal experience my wife and I take the
silver everyday and we never have colds any more nor do we catch the
flu.

Dr. Farber who was murdered on November 13,1998. He took large
doses of silver for over five years. His autopsy revealed that all of
his organs were clean. As you can see even in his death Dr. Farber was
still doing research for mankind. He proved the silver worked and that
there was no build up in his body of the silver. Also guess what?
Dr. Farber never turned gray from what some agencies call
argyria.

If you haven't already
guessed, I am related to Dr. Farber. He was my younger
brother. Dr. Farber was a brilliant person who was always 20 years
ahead of his time. Things that he brought into being 20 years ago are
now used on a regular basis by both holistic and medical practioners
today. Paul once said the only thing stronger than two brothers
fighting with one another is two brothers working with each other. It
was an honor and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to work on
this project with my younger brother. All I ask is that you read this
book. Dr. Farber presents his experience and knowledge, you
decide. Thank you for reading this review and I hope you enjoy my
brother's book.

Suppose there was a substance that you could buy for a few dollars a pint, or make in your home for a few cents a gallon, that kills every known bacteria and virus ever discovered. Suppose that you and your family would never have to have a cold or flu again, or ever worry about more serious or fatal pathogens such as the AIDS, Ebola and Hanta viruses. Suppose this substance not only was completely non-toxic at any level, but also no pathogen could ever become resistant to it, unlike antibiotics. This substance exists, and is called colloidal silver.

What percentage of the world's economy is related in some way to health-care? What percentage of the health-care business is related to "treating" (not necessarily curing) viral and bacterial infections? What percentage of the drug companies business involves drugs that "treat" such infections? Since colloidal silver cannot be patented and is completely effective against viruses and bacteria, it represents an extreme threat to a significant portion of the world's economy. Any wonder very few people have ever heard of it? It is a documented fact that the medical establishment has attempted, so far unsuccessfully, to get colloidal silver banned. You would also expect there to be vicious attacks on this substance by the health care "powers that be". You can observe this for yourself by reading a couple of the reviews posted here. I note that one individual posting such a vicious attack on this book also has posted other such reviews regarding other works on colloidal silver. Gee, I wonder why? By the way, I personally consider anyone that deliberately attempts to suppress knowledge that would significantly ease pain, suffering and death in this world to be pure evil, and subject to unimaginable consequences for their souls. If these "skeptics" were scientifically competent, they could go into a laboratory and observe under a microscope the effect of colloidal silver on any pathogen they choose to test.

Is this book perfect? Nope. However, the value of any work that documents the effectiveness of this miracle substance cannot be measured. The author discusses his own cure from the results of advanced Lyme disease that resulted in his paralysis from the chest down. After all "establishment" treatment failed, colloidal silver cured him completely.

I have personally done research on colloidal silver for years, and can attest to its miraculous qualities. I have not had a cold or flu since I started using CS (when symptoms start appearing, gargle with CS and use it as a nasal spray until all symptoms quickly disappear). I also was able to eliminate warts I had had for twenty years that no "establishment" treatment was successful against. It is the real deal.

This book does have lots of sources of information about Lyme Disease, but little practical information for the patient about the disease. It gives lots of medical and governmental citations. It also gives lots of "vocabulary builders" that are helpful when trying to read technical medical research articles. The book, however, is very generic. It seems there are many books like this one for other illnesses. It has no feel for the patient's experience, it does not even hint at the very real controversies that surround this illness.

The back cover of the book says it best: it is not written from a layperson's/ patients point of view nor is it written from a clinical/ provider prospective, it is a "soucebook" of "official" and "peer-reviewed" medical literature. I would add the word "selective" to the previous statement. Also, place heavy emphasis on the word "Sourcebook", it tells you about where to go for information. Don't expect to get something this book is not. It is "A Reference Manual for Self-Directed Patient Research".

Definitely a different book. I have just recently been diagnosed with lime disease and I found this book extremely helpful with learning about my disease.

Since this is a compiliation of official sources, I found it a big save of time and quite terse. I think its a good book for someone who is new to the disease, or those who do not want to print hundreds of internet pages.