Description A man of many persuasions and vast energy, A Formidable Man is an expansive detailing into the contributions and controversies of a combative personality… John William Springthorpe was a prominent general physician, lecturer, and writer in late nineteenth century’s marvellous Melbourne. Springthorpe, affectionately known as Springy, took major advocacy roles in physiotherapy, dentistry, nursing, public health, child welfare, epilepsy, and mental health during his career. His bitter criticism of the mistreatment of ‘shell shock’ victims during World War I was followed by advocacy for those afflicted with what’s now known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. “A work of thought and quality to be absorbed by lovers of modern history and fluently written so as to engage the complete involvement of us as readers… Excellent…” Dillon, Readalot reviewer Paperback, 198pp, 2024 Allan Mawdsley OAM is a retired child psychiatrist. He was director of the Alfred Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service. He has been a member of St John Ambulance for more than 60 years and is curator of their museum in Victoria. He is a Knight of the Order of St John and is the immediate past president of St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia.
