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Vital Organs

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Vital Organs

By: Suzie Edge
Narrated by: Suzie Edge
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About this listen

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 History History & Commentary History & Philosophy Medicine & Health Care Industry Science

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All stars
Most relevant  
I really enjoyed hearing the medical history of many famous people. The narration was excellent. It also made me feel grateful that I live in an era where so much is known about the human body.

A fascinating collection of interesting medical stories

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I listened to this in one go, the content was fascinating and having watched the authors content on TikTok, I found her just as engaging in audio format if not more! Will definitely be listening to more of her content!

Great listen!

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This is a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of famous body parts and the biographies of those attached to them. Wittily written and delivered.

A witty exploration of (in)famous anatomy

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overall I loved this. The science, although macabre is just fascinating and well read and that makes it enjoyable to listen to even when describing puss and other nasty injuries etc.

Fascinating.

Both interesting and disturbing in equal measures

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I’m so sorry I’ve finished the book- I’m going to wait a while and listen to it again. Very interesting, informative and entertaining. I’m going to look for more words by the author. Really good read.

Loved it

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I thought nothing could beat Mortal Monarchs (Suzies first book) but Vital Organs smashed it out the park! It’s insightful, wonderfully gruesome and exceptionally put together. I have listened to it in full numerous times. Highly recommend!

Outstanding … AGAIN!

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A really interesting book with snippets of history relating to body parts dispersed with physiological insights. There is gentle humour throughout. Peculiar pauses in the narration were off putting and I had to increase play speed.

Quirky and interesting

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A fantastic story of life and death. Very much looking forward to part two and also listening again. Well done Suzie...

Humour and fact combined

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Easy enjoyable listening with fun facts style and structure, rather than a more historical approach

Easy listening

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I love the way this is a warts-and-all account of history of the human body. Really well read by the author, with lots of humour.

Interesting and very well presented

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