Mayo Alumni Author

John E. Woods, M.D., S (1966), PLS (1968) is the author of a new book,

The Odyssey of Christopher Miles

Illustrations by Robert Benassi  

The Odyssey of Christopher Miles

This is an illustrated science fiction written completely in rhyming verse and with a message. It is directed toward adolescents and adults, though children seem to enjoy the illustrations.

This Odyssey was written about 15 years ago to encourage a very literate eleven-year-old boy of the name used in this science fiction/fantasy. His siblings are also included in the tale. Christopher Miles was going through some of the normal adolescent struggles and had enjoyed the Narnia CHronicles by C.S. Lewis. This gave the author the idea for fantasy and since verse comes about as readily to the author as prose, that medium was used. As in the Narnia Chronicles, a moral and spiritual component was included. The author has no delusions of grandeur that would suggest this in any way compares with the writings of Lewis, but is was entertaining to write. After reading the Odyssey, Mr. Robert Benassi, a gifted retired medical illustrator, indicated he would be pleased to illustrate the verse, adding greatly to its appeal. WIth the urgings to publish by several score people who had read this fantasy in verse, this current effort was undertaken.

The author, John Woods, M.D. is a retired plastic surgeon who practiced at Mayo Clinic for several decades.

The illustrator, Mr. Robert Benassi, was for many years Section Head of the Department of Medical Illustration at Mayo Clinic, where he gave long, faithful, and creative service.