"Speaking of Operations--"

Book excerpt: "Speaking of Operations--" is a satirical novel by author Irvin S. Cobb, as he humorously describes the experiences of patient to undergo an operations. As he says, "For years I have noticed that persons who underwent pruning or remodeling at the hands of a duly qualified surgeon, and survived, like to talk about it afterward. In the event of their not surviving I have no doubt they still liked to talk about it, but in a different locality. Of all the readily available topics for use, whether among friends or among strangers, an operation seems to be the handiest and most dependable..." His topic is inspired by his own experience as he underwent a minor surgical procedure, which he also includes in the book, albeit with a twist of humor to it.