• Vital Organs

  • By: Suzie Edge
  • Narrated by: Suzie Edge
  • Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (48 ratings)

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Vital Organs  By  cover art

Vital Organs

By: Suzie Edge
Narrated by: Suzie Edge
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Publisher's summary

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

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What listeners say about Vital Organs

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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!

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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!

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A Total Delight

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

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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

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Suzi

This book was very informative!! Suzi is a very intelligent woman!!! Thank you for all the “gruesome” education,

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Dr. Edge is an amazing storyteller!

Dr. Edge has a gift for making these stories more personable and relatable! 10 out of 10 HIGHLY recommend!

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Great book!!!

This was very interesting book, about the human body and history. I enjoyed the author narrated the audio book!!!

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Empathy, humor, and body parts!

I loved this book as much as I loved her first book, Mortal Monarchs! I honestly could listen to Suzie talk about anything for hours, she’s both so incredibly knowledgeable and her oration style is just so easy to listen to. If you’re on the fence, give this a go! It’s definitely entertaining as enjoyable.

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First audio book ever!

I have attempted to listen to audio book of many genres over the years, and have never made it past chapter 5. Not only did I finish this, I listened to multiple portions twice. Dr. Edges voice is soothing, the material is interesting, and the storytelling keeps you hooked.

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Another joy!

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

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