Ben Spock, Baby Doctor

The life, times and pediatric pioneering of one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures, a genuine American folk hero. A PBS primetime telecast in the "Nova" series. In this informative and entertaining documentary, Dr. Benjamin Spock's fascinating life is interwoven with the history of pediatrics and the momentous events of this century that shaped him - and which he in turn helped shape. Rare archival footage of the changing science of pediatrics-some humorous, some shocking-is included. Dr. Spock is the author of Baby and Child Care, a book that established him as the founder of modern pediatrics in America. More than 40 million copies have been sold, in over 30 languages. At one time it out-sold the Bible! Current popular child-care specialists credit Dr. Spock with being their prime source of information and inspiration. A leader of the anti-Vietnam war movement, he was blamed for spoiling an entire generation of Americans, a charge that haunted him for the rest of his life. Accused by some feminists with being "a major oppressor of women," he revised his pioneering book in the 1970s to take into account the changing role of women in modern society. More at www.RichterVideos.com