Medical Publishing in Philadelphia: An Informal History

Written by a 50-year veteran of the medical publishing industry, this book provides an overview of the industry in and around Philadelphia, starting from the arrival of William Penn in 1682 and incorporating developments up to 2020. The narrative follows companies from the individuals who founded them through their growth, evolution, and often their eventual purchase by corporations based outside the region, touching on major personalities, some key works in the medical literature, and anecdotes about notable publishers, authors, and occasional celebrities. The book draws parallels among medical publishing, the history of medicine, and historical trends in Philadelphia and the United States as a whole. To supplement his own diverse experiences, Rich Lampert has explored the published literature and historical archives in the Philadelphia area, as well as conducting interviews and correspondence with dozens of colleagues. Read more