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A translation of correspondence between William Larimer Mellon and Albert Schweitzer conducted between 1947 up until Schweitzer's death in 1965. The letters document two extraordinary lives, beginning with Mellon's first letter to Schweitzer after he read a article about the doctor's work which inspired him to leave his Arizona ranch, secure a medical degree, and begin a community hospital in Haiti. Much of what the two "brothers" give to each other is practical advice, kinship, and support. The matter of fact dialogue between the two men quietly underscores the selfless dedication of each. The original letters, written in French, are also provided in an appendix. Includes photographs. Lacks an index. -- Copyright © 1999 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR All rights reserved

Language Notes
Text: English, French

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Scion of the Pittsburgh oil and banking family, William Larimer Mellon, Jr., was married, the father of three, and a successful rancher in Arizona when, at thirty-seven, he read a Life magazine article about Albert Schweitzer's "reverence for life" that guided his mission hospital in a remote area of Gabon, Africa. Mellon immediately wrote to the famous humanitarian in Lambarene, expressing admiration of Schweitzer's life of service and the wish to engage in similar work with his wife, Gwendolyn. Schweitzer's reply in March 1948 was a lengthy letter of realistic encouragement. In time, Mellon received his medical degree from Tulane University and later established a well-equipped hospital in one of the poorest regions of Haiti, where, with his wife, he spent the rest of his life working as a physician and a community development engineer. The hospital continues to thrive. Brothers in Spirit brings together sixty-five of the letters written between 1947 and Schweitzer's death in 1965. Presented here in both English and the original French, they eloquently tell the story of a comfortable life abandoned for the goal of serving humanity.

FROM THE CRITICS

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