The pages of this book reveal a truly uncommon life. The author of the recollections was born into one of the richest families in Hungary in 1924. The young man clearly had practically unlimited opportunities but chose a medical career in order to help poor people. These plans came to naught after the German occupation of Hungary in March, 1944. Fortunately he and his family - some of the wealthiest citizens of the country - were able to leave Hungary under an agreement with the Germans and were taken safely to Portugal. Thomas came to the United States in 1945 and, after some military service, resumed his education culminating eventually in a professorship in anesthesiology. He was most active in the development of education in respiratory care and is the author of some seventy papers and books. In the present volume he not only clearly demonstrates his deep obligation to his adopted country but also gives a sharp and sometimes incisive picture of his childhood, youth and extended family.