By Noah Gordon The Physician: Number 1 in series (Cole) (New edition) [Paperback] Paperback – 20 July 2001

i discovered this novel through the movie of the same name which had so enthralled me that I had to read the original novel.I’m glad I did: the depth of historical information and the breadth of the story far surpasses what a 2-hour film could tell.This is a great read, aiming to recreate life in 11th century Britain and Persia, both at a personal level, but also viewed from multiple faiths and the inexorable progress of rational thought & experimentation.Sometimes the story may seem over-contrived: could one man ever have lived through so much? But history shows us that is indeed possible and this is a book that will open your mind to the type of life you can aspire to.

I like most of Noah Gordon's books but this is my favourite. With an easy and gripping narrative style he shows how harsh life could be in the 11th C. England, takes us on an adventurous journey to the Middle East and gives us an insight into the beginnings of medicine as we know it. He also describes the tensions between the three main religious cultures that existed then and now. A real page turner, which offers lessons in history, medicine and culture while you read.

I was looking for a hardcover but this edition is good toogreat story, the reader follows young Rob Cole, 9 yrs old, through life, first as an apprentice Barber, than on his travels to the middle east, where Rob manages to enrole in the only medical university at that time,his life and marriage in the middle East, his return to London and his final days in the Scottish highlandslike time travel, from the first page the reader is immersed into the 11th century, first in London and England,then Europe and finally the Middle East, the most developed countries at that time

Took a while to get into this book but once in I was happy to stay for a while. It's not for the fainthearted. The gruesome details of childbirth, injury and death make me very glad indeed that I wasn't born until the later 20th century. But the description of the journey across Europe to Persia is fascinating, as is life in Ispahan and the glamour and cruelty of the Persian court. I'm not sure about some of the historical content and I found some of the characters hard to get to know, but the story pulls you along like a racing camel and takes you to some very interesting places.

This started off well and I did enjoy it but the story got bogged down in the detail, especially about food! The elements of the tale were good but content far too long. I ended up skipping over paragraphs of it in boredom and a desire to get to the end. I think it is a shame because in many other respects it was interesting. It is part of a trilogy but it could have been one on its own.

I loved this book, I read it over Xmas and could'nt put it down.Without spoiling it for others I will just say that the book is about a young mans trials andtribulations in various countries to become a physician. I am just beginning the second inthe series 'Shamen'.I love the way it is written, bringing the age and surroundings to life and you just get lostin the book, I know I will enjoy reading other books by Noel Gordon

Based on early medicine in the middle east, I think that perhaps this book climaxed a bit too soon and then the author had issues making it to the end of the script with us not being so interested afterwards. However, a lot of research went into this book, so it made easy, informative reading. A book to never be forgotten in a lifetime.

A must read. Much better than the film.

I had stumbled upon this trilogy via Kindle's "if you read this author you might enjoy this one too" or whatever..... I do enjoy historical novels as long as they are readable and interesting and appear to be well researched. This one hits the mark on all three and even takes in some new directions and aspects of the age I hadn't previously read about. Have read the following two books as well, not really expecting to enjoy them as much being that they took place in more familiar eras but was pleasantly surprised with those as well. Would recommend the read.

I decided to read this book after seeing the film in German, I heard from lots of my German friends that they were dissappointed with the film because so much was left out for the movie version (I immeidately thought lost in translation). It was also suggested to me that I see the film first if I had not already read the book. I am now halfway through the book and simply cannot put it down, the story is fantastic and I feel like I am actually traveling with Rob J Cole to Persia.Boy am I glad I saw the film first, because so much has been changed for the film that it feels like a completely different story.Even though I have not yet finished this book I will strongly recommend it. Word of advise for those who want to see the film and have already read the book, you will be bitterly dissappointed and might want to save your money till it its TV, which nowadays does not take very long.

Noah Gordon created a world very vividly, waking emotions in response to the landscape and people. Robert Cole is believable in his humanity but extraordinary in his accomplishments. He adapts to each new setting, becoming a part of it. His love of his work and his wife is a light in a dark world

This is one of those historical novels that could very well have been a true story. There was a massive amount of research behind this story, and whether they are factual or not - the end result is an incredibly good read. It was a long story and took the reader to several countries which I know next to nothing about, but that was okay. All in all this was a very good read, and you should not miss it.

This is the story of Robert J Cole who is born in London, travels over theEnglish countryside, and to Persia. He starts as a barber- surgeon and through many adventures becomes a scholar and an accomplished physician. The rhythm of the story is particularly compelling. I advise anyone to read this: there is love, adventure, mystery and passion. Very well written

Eu li este livro na década de 90 quando estava iniciando minha carreira como médica. Foi maravilhoso re-encontrar com uma história tão fascinante sobre um período da medicina muito mais baseada na observação clínica. Recomendo muito este livro.

This book has been my Friend for many days as I read it. The story is set at a time I have a certain soft spot for. The descriptions are remarkably clear without being tedious.Loved it!

I've read the german print version that Droemer Knaurr published for maybe a hundred times. So I thought that I knew the story really well but looked forward to read it in English.First I didn't notice it but it kept happening that I read scene that I couldn't remember and so I went back to the print version and checked. And yes, in the Droemer Knaurr print edition are scenes omitted, several that deal with behaviour against jews or other questionable actions.

Wer sich für Medizin interessiert, muss dieses Buch lesen! Hervorragend recherchiert, wunderbarer Erzählstil, spannend, mitreißend!Leider kam aber bei der Bestellung nicht dieses Buch an, sondern ein nicht bestelltes - das war ärgerlich

A very thought-provoking novel outling many of the problems in Spain during this time period. A tale of the underdog.

Tardé en comprar este libro. Sé que ha sido un best seller durante mucho tiempo y lo único que lamento es no haberlo comprado antes. Brillante trama e inolvidables personajes. Noah Gordon hace una detallada descripción de la Persia del siglo XI como también una estupenda descripción de la medicina como se conocía y entendía en esa época

Long story, but an excellent read one mans dream to achieve his calling thoroughly enjoyed well done.

One of the most enlightening books of historical fiction I have read. Shows the never ending stupidity of dogma and the value of bravery which is still applicable 1000 years later.

El libro es muy entretenido, y esta edición en concreto está bastante cuidad y sin erratas (inglés).

libro bellissimo, non riuscivo a smettere di leggerlo. in inglese per un regalo. copertina morbida e carta non di qualità. ma il contenuto è super!