I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great pictorial history of the role of the District Nurse and it gives a good introduction to how the role came about and the importance that it has played over time since it’s introduction.

The layout of the book is easy to follow and I really enjoyed the images that had been used and their captions. It was a nice short read and a lovely way to pass a few hours.

I have read a few books in this series now and they are lovely books, this one is well written and informative. It is 4 stars from me for this one and as a lover of social history books, for me it is also one I will be highly recommending to those who enjoy the same genres.

NetGalley, Donna Maguire

Susan Cohen’s new book Images of the Past: The District Nurse is a lively narrative featuring some truly beautiful and provocative images.

In this meticulously researched volume she demonstrates an ability to move into writing for the interested public. She takes a broadly chronological approach starting with the early inspiration of William Rathbone in Liverpool, his employment of the excellent Mrs Robinson, his correspondence with Florence Nightingale and the first district nurses. Cohen cogently describes the somewhat ad hoc developments of the DN service throughout the country, which eventually culminated in the Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Nursing Institute Royal Charter in 1889 Chapters 2 and 3 consider the early years of ‘life on the district’ and the hardships that nurses, who had chosen this work, endured.

Susan Cohen is to be commended for this book...the book should also be seen for its fascinating images, which are difficult to describe in a review.

Dr Jane Brooks, UK Association of the History of Nursing

It is a thoroughly interesting book, packed full of detail with no space wasted, one fully recommended for those with an interest in history or community nursing.

Read the full review here

The Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland

Listed in 'Books of the month' feature

Lets Talk!, October 2018

This well-researched book is highly readable and accessible, and the format makes it easy to dip in and out of. It uses wonderfully evocative images from the archive of the Queen's Nursing Institute to show how the profession of district nursing has changed over the decades. The fascinating illustrations include images of the ever-evolving uniform and the various modes of transport used, together with photographs of the special challenges faced by Queen's Nurses serving the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and in rural Ireland. A thoroughly absorbing read.

WDYTYA?, September 2018 – reviewed by Michelle Higgs

This book will appeal to readers with nursing ancestors or with an interest in the development of healthcare. It does not show how to research your nursing forebears, but it provides valuable information about the nature of the role and its evolution. The changes in uniform illustrated here could help family historians to narrow down the dates for photographs of their own district nursing ancestors too.

Family Tree, September 2018 – reviewed by Simon Wills

A bit of history, a bit of photos and historical engravings - here it all comes together in a good mix to draw an exciting piece of history. All sorts of interesting information about nurses, not just about Florence Nightingale, with illustrations of contemporary documents. A living piece of contemporary history.

NetGalley, reviewed by Nureeni Lem

A very informative book for someone who is interested in nursing background and especially that of a district nurse.

NetGalley, reviewed by Nicola Barker

Whether you are a health care professional or simply someone like me who has an interest in social history I think you will be informed and educated by this book.

NetGalley, reviewed by G Heard