Nation’s first hospital publishes its first history in 30 years.

Kristen Grahem, Philadelphia Inquirer Reporter and author of the new book, will be at Pennsylvania Hospital on Wednesday, December 11, 2008 from 11:30am-2pm to sign copies and discuss the book.

Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation’s oldest chartered hospital, a Philadelphia icon and a pantheon of medical and architectural history, opens the book on its storied past in the new book, A History of the Pennsylvania Hospital. Authored by Kristen A. Graham, a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter, the book chronicles the hospital’s history to 2008.

Graham introduces readers to the people and ideas that guided Pennsylvania Hospital through wars and social and economic crises, landing it at the forefront of healing, learning and innovation.

Twenty-five years before the American Revolution, they brought the novel concept of a hospital from England to Philadelphia to treat the sick-poor of the city. They built America’s first apothecary, medical library and surgical amphitheatre.

The 120-page book includes never-before-seen images of the hospital and the men and women who make up its past. It examines changes in the healthcare system and care delivery over the hospital’s 257-year history.

The Pine Building, the original hospital structure, completed in 1804, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Philadelphia, drawing the attention of architects and historians alike. It is still in use.

“A History of the Pennsylvania Hospital is educational and also accessible and entertaining for people interested in the history of health care, Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin or historic architecture,” says Peeples.

A History of the Pennsylvania Hospital costs $19.99 plus tax at the Pennsylvania Hospital Gift Shop or you may order directly via Amazon.com