The Autobiography of a Quack, and the Case of George Dedlow

The Autobiography of a Quack, written by S. Weir Mitchell in the late 19th century, is a satirical narrative that blends autobiography and fiction. It follows Ezra Sanderaft, a dubious character reflecting on his life as a con artist and failed physician while lying in a hospital bed. The story critiques morality and ambition through humor and personal reflection, detailing Sanderaft's unethical practices and misadventures in the medical field. The book also includes 'The Case of George Dedlow,' which was published anonymously in the Atlantic Monthly and later recognized as a compelling fictional account of a real case.