Vital Organs

A History of the World's Most Famous Body Parts

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

...a bracing adventure, and one where our ancestors are not reduced to characters of myth and legend, but real people of flesh and blood. It is through this most intimate dissection that the past is brought so vividly to life.

It's an incisive book (pun intended) that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of the vessel that carries you through life

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

Another gem by my favorite history author.

If Suzie Edge writes a book, it’s guaranteed I’ll be listening to it. The way she tells the stories of humanity, history, and medicine is engaging, and you can hear her passion for the subjects.

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.