A Cure for Serpents

A Cure for Serpents

Author	Alberto Denti di Pirajno
Original title	Una Città nel Deserto
Translator	Kathleen Naylor
Country	Italy
Language	Italian
Genre	Memoir
Publisher	Eland Publishing
Publication date	1955
Media type	Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
Pages	256
ISBN	978-0907871531

A Cure for Serpents is a memoir by Alberto Denti di Pirajno, an Italian physician and writer, first published in 1955. The book provides a vivid account of Denti di Pirajno's experiences as a doctor in North Africa during the early 20th century. It is renowned for its rich descriptions of the people, cultures, and landscapes of the region, as well as its insightful reflections on the practice of medicine in remote and challenging environments.

Background

Alberto Denti di Pirajno was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1886. He pursued a career in medicine and served as a physician in various parts of North Africa, including Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia. His work often brought him into contact with diverse communities and cultures, which greatly influenced his writing.

Content Overview

The memoir is structured as a series of vignettes, each detailing a particular episode or encounter from Denti di Pirajno's time in Africa. The title "A Cure for Serpents" refers to one such story, where the author describes treating a local chief who believed he was cursed by serpents.

Themes

The book explores several themes, including:

• Cultural Encounters: Denti di Pirajno's interactions with local tribes and communities highlight the complexities of cultural exchange and understanding.
• Medical Practice: The memoir provides insights into the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in remote areas with limited resources.
• Colonialism: The backdrop of Italian colonial rule in Africa is a subtle but persistent presence in the narrative, offering a nuanced perspective on the colonial experience.

Notable Stories

• The Chief and the Serpents: A tale of a tribal leader who believes he is cursed, and the unconventional methods Denti di Pirajno uses to "cure" him.
• The Desert Caravan: An account of a perilous journey across the desert, highlighting the harsh realities of life in the region.
• The Healer's Apprentice: A story about a young local boy who becomes an apprentice to Denti di Pirajno, illustrating the transmission of medical knowledge across cultures.

Reception

Upon its release, A Cure for Serpents was praised for its engaging storytelling and vivid portrayal of North African life. Critics have lauded Denti di Pirajno's ability to capture the essence of the people and places he encountered, as well as his reflective and often humorous writing style.

Legacy

The memoir remains a valuable resource for those interested in the history of medicine, colonial Africa, and cross-cultural interactions. It is often cited in discussions of medical anthropology and the history of European colonialism in Africa.

Also see

• Alberto Denti di Pirajno
• History of Medicine in Africa
• Italian Colonial Empire
• Medical Anthropology