Phoenix

Roderick Stewart (1934-2018) was a writer and teacher of history. He was the co-author of several biographies on Norman Bethune, including Bethune in Spain.

Sharon Stewart has over twenty-five years of experience as a writer and as a freelance editor in educational publishing.

"Phoenix makes a compelling read. Phoenix is both readable and authoritative. It dispels many of the myths which have grown around Bethune, and presents him warts and all. The book will be a valuable contribution to history's view of Bethune." Spectrum

"At long last, the whole Bethune—flaws and contradictions intact, making the extraordinary accomplishments of this troubled and near tragic figure all the more remarkable to unravel. I was riveted, from beginning to end." Ken Gass, Artistic Director, Fact

"Thorough, objective, well-written, exhaustive and highly readable, Phoenix should become the definitive basis for all serious discussion of Bethune." The Globe and Mail

"Phoenix ... accomplishes in magisterial fashion what any good biography should do: it reveals the complexity of its subject." The Bulletin of the History of Medicine

"Phoenix is a much enriched version of Bethune's life - eminently readable and riveting." Andrée Lévesque, McGill University
"The authors have taken great care to review all the new information that has come to light and present their findings in a balanced, and effective manner." Larry W. Stephenson, professor and chief of cardiothoracic surgery, Wayne State University
"Phoenix will enable Canadians to understand how a son of the manse evolved into a grandfather of medical humanitarianism and how an outspoken and mercurial pariah became the most famous Canadian in history. Through their meticulous and unbiased research, Roderick and Sharon Stewart have developed a profound acquaintance with Norman Bethune, providing a detailed portrait of one of Canada's most complex and least understood characters, and showing that Bethune's flaws may have been guideposts that he needed on his road to greatness." Scott Davidson, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site
"At long last, the whole Bethune—flaws and contradictions intact, making the extraordinary accomplishments of this troubled and near tragic figure all the more remarkable to unravel. I was riveted, from beginning to end." Ken Gass, Artistic Director, Factory Theatre