In this 1998 book Robert Aronowitz offers historical essays about how diseases change their meaning. By juxtaposing the history of different diseases, the author shows how values and interests have determined research programs, public health activities, clinical decisions, and the patient's experience of illness.

A fascinating investigation into the social and clinical factors that determine what constitutes a "Legitimate" illness in the 20th century. By examining six case studies of diseases that have emerged within the past 50 years, Dr. Robert Aronowitz looks at how doctors think about illness; how illnesses are recognized, named, classified; and what they mean in an individual and social context.