Vital Organs

De: Suzie Edge

Narrado por: Suzie Edge

The remarkable stories of the world's most famous body parts.

Louis XIV's rear end inspired the British National Anthem.

Queen Victoria's armpit led the development of antiseptics.

Robert Jenkin's ear started a war.

All too often, historical figures feel distant and abstract; more myth and legend than real flesh and blood. These stories of bodies and its parts remind us that history's most-loved, and most-hated, were real breathing creatures who inhabited organs and limbs just like us - until they're cut off that is.

Medical historian Dr Suzie Edge investigates over 40 cases of how we've used, abused, dug up, displayed, experimented on, and worshipped body parts, including why Percy Shelley's heart refused to burn; how Yao Niang's toes started a 1000 year long ritual; why a giant's bones are making us rethink medical ethics; and the strange case of Hitler's right testicle.

©2023 Suzie Edge (P)2023 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Worth the listen if you enjoy this kind of content

I enjoyed this listen. I love to learn the unusual. This fit the bill perfectly.

Who knew body parts could be so engrossing?

Each bit was, in equal parts, fascinating, gruesome and informative. Brilliantly written and narrated by Suzie Edge. Now straight onto Mortal Monarchs

Great and Gruesome!

As a fan of science and history, I was really drawn to this book (particularly because I just finished Mortal Monarchs also by Suzie Edge). If you enjoy the facts and details as well as interesting oddities, I think you'll enjoy this book. Edge doesn't reach for the macabre (on purpose), but explores the fun side of weird history giving the body a look from head to toe and inside with the medical side of the story as well as the historical relevance! I devoured this book in two days and I'm dying for the next one! If you're easily grossed out, don't listen or read it while eating. Thank you, Suzie! I'm a fan for life!

The odd bits of humor thrown in were amazing

This book is full of interesting information. Dr. Edge's voice is warm and soothing. This is the second book of hers that I have listened to and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Suzie Edge is delightful

To hear her narrative in her own words is pitch perfect. I adore her sense of flow and intricate details of all things biological and historical.

Interesting, Educational, and Occasionally Funny

This was everything I expected after reading Mortal Monarchs and following Dr. Edge on TikTok. I love that she was respectful of the deceased, addressed issues of consent for the display of dead bodies and brought science and scholarship to what have normally been embellished stories. I was also glad to hear “but it was okay, because he had a son.” I will continue to read/listen anything Dr. Edge puts out, she’s found an amazing niche where medicine and history overlap!

A Total Delight

She's Fabulous!! Brilliant book! I was drawn in by the subject and truly enjoyed the entire book.

calming to listen to.

I loved the easy to follow storytelling. The author's voice was amazing to listen to. I will recommend this book to everyone I know.

Another joy!

Loved her first book, this one was just as educational and enjoyable to listen to. Cheers!

Well told and entertaining

Great follow up to her first book, told with humor and entirely fascinating… quite amazing the stories that she tells us