Description
Book Synopsis: "One of the funniest and most unusual books of the year....Gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting."―Entertainment WeeklyStiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers―some willingly, some unwittingly―have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way. In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries―from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.
Details
Discover the strange and fascinating world of human cadavers with Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. This book is not only entertaining, but also educational, offering a unique glimpse into the postmortem lives of our bodies. With a blend of dark humor and insightful exploration, Mary Roach takes you on a journey through history, sharing stories of cadavers involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings.
From being test subjects for France's first guillotines to riding the NASA Space Shuttle, cadavers have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the human body. They have even helped solve mysteries like the case of TWA Flight 800. In Stiff, you'll uncover the remarkable contributions of cadavers to medical advancements, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, showcasing their silent presence alongside surgeons throughout history.
This engrossing account takes you beyond the labs, transporting you to medieval and nineteenth-century Europe's anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies. You'll also step inside a human decay research facility in Tennessee, a plastic surgery practice lab, and a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. Mary Roach's delightful storytelling will leave you enlightened and entertained, shedding light on what happens to our bodies when we are no longer with them.
Experience the captivating world of cadavers like never before. Get your hands on Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers today!
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