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The Dentistry in Literature series: Auntie toothache
For the cover series of this volume (223) of the BDJ, we have chosen to illustrate various instances where dentistry or teeth feature in literature. A wide range of sources have been considered — from well-known 'great works' to more obscure authors, older texts to modern novels and from mentions of dentists to descriptions of some very unusual teeth!
This issue features a story from Hans Christian Andersen called 'Auntie toothache'. It is believed that Andersen himself suffered greatly with toothache and became obsessed with the agony of it. 'Auntie toothache' was his last story, written in 1872. It concerns a shadowy night-time visitor, Old Mother Toothache, who threatens the story's narrator when asleep, telling him that his mouth is 'a splendid organ on which [she] intend[s] to play'.
Credit: Illustration by Matthew Laznicka
Email: bmentpass@yahoo.com
Website: www.mlaznicka.com
Providing retro contemporary illustration and design to your idea!