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Strange Ways to Die in History: The Heroic, Tragic and Funny
Death comes for us all in the end. But it does not always come in a way you might expect. Throughout history there have been people who have suffered extraordinary, unusual, and downright weird demises. In Strange Ways to Die in History you will find out about the true stories behind unlikely stories of bizarre accidents, assassinations, and misadventures. Did a playwright really die from a tortoise being dropped on his head by an eagle? Why did an English vicar end up being eaten by lions? And what are the chances of fatality from falling into a toilet? Looking at the lives that came before the deaths reveals some of histories most fascinating individuals. Some of those examined are well known. Some are remembered only for the odd way they departed this life. Some have been forgotten entirely. Sometimes how a person dies, and how history has recorded the event, can tell us a lot about society and how we remember. This book uncovers eye-witnesses to the deaths described and contemporary reports from those who were left behind.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
192 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2024
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Ben Gazur
8 books4 followersBen Gazur holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh. Giving up the glitz and glamour of the lab he became a freelance writer who has written widely on history and science for the likes of the BBC, All About History, and the Guardian newspaper. His first book was a biography of the philosopher Epicurus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 19, 2023
This reminded me a bit of the Darwin Awards, that mock-prize "awarded" to people that die in the stupidest circumstances as a result of their own foolish actions, although this book doesn't intend to mock such deaths because most are more tragic and accidental and fewer resulting from poor judgment and stupidity. Which I appreciate.
I approached this book thinking it'd cover what the title promises: strange deaths in strange circumstances. As in, out of the ordinary and for uncommon reasons. In that sense, it did deliver, as the deaths here, chronologically listed from Classical Antiquity to our day, are indeed in strange circumstances.
However, the writing and the delivery weren't up to expectations. This reads like a collection of mini-vignettes that would belong more in a Wikipedia or Buzzfeed article than a history book. It's very superficial, doesn't always discuss the credibility of claims except to remark here and there that sources might be doubtful, and often talks about other people when the heading says it's about a certain personage, and mixes actual historical facts for which we have sources even if deficient with what might as well be mythical or metaphorical stories, such as when Gazur includes stories from the Bible here, for which we don't have independent sourcing and that, given the nature of the Bible, might as well be allegories or stories to convey a point. I think Gazur should've stuck with the purely historical and left the Old Testament out.
It's a very short book, and you probably won't learn anything of much value if you're looking for historical knowledge, but you'll find entertainment, which I think is the aim here given its tone, writing style, delivery, and overall pop history feel.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I approached this book thinking it'd cover what the title promises: strange deaths in strange circumstances. As in, out of the ordinary and for uncommon reasons. In that sense, it did deliver, as the deaths here, chronologically listed from Classical Antiquity to our day, are indeed in strange circumstances.
However, the writing and the delivery weren't up to expectations. This reads like a collection of mini-vignettes that would belong more in a Wikipedia or Buzzfeed article than a history book. It's very superficial, doesn't always discuss the credibility of claims except to remark here and there that sources might be doubtful, and often talks about other people when the heading says it's about a certain personage, and mixes actual historical facts for which we have sources even if deficient with what might as well be mythical or metaphorical stories, such as when Gazur includes stories from the Bible here, for which we don't have independent sourcing and that, given the nature of the Bible, might as well be allegories or stories to convey a point. I think Gazur should've stuck with the purely historical and left the Old Testament out.
It's a very short book, and you probably won't learn anything of much value if you're looking for historical knowledge, but you'll find entertainment, which I think is the aim here given its tone, writing style, delivery, and overall pop history feel.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
"This book is about those unfortunate ones whose deaths spark either shocked gasps or titters from those they leave behind."
History is packed with tales of hapless individuals who departed this mortal coil in unusual ways. Gazur has here gathered together some stories of their sad untimely deaths, and sometimes well-deserved ignominious demises. There are incidents of men tripping over their long beards before tumbling down flights of stairs, and innocent individuals drowning in deluges of beer or molasses. Like something out of Monty Python, there's the strange tale of not one, but TWO men who managed to shoot themselves whilst demonstrating how a third man's pistol was accidentally discharged.
My favorite account was of a jockey who died during a race. His death was only discovered after he failed to dismount after his horse crossed the finish line in first place. Now that's a memorable way to go.
Despite the dark subject matter, this is a highly entertaining book. I hope somewhere down the line the publishers will consider an audiobook version, as, with the right narrator, it would make for a great listening experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the read.
History is packed with tales of hapless individuals who departed this mortal coil in unusual ways. Gazur has here gathered together some stories of their sad untimely deaths, and sometimes well-deserved ignominious demises. There are incidents of men tripping over their long beards before tumbling down flights of stairs, and innocent individuals drowning in deluges of beer or molasses. Like something out of Monty Python, there's the strange tale of not one, but TWO men who managed to shoot themselves whilst demonstrating how a third man's pistol was accidentally discharged.
My favorite account was of a jockey who died during a race. His death was only discovered after he failed to dismount after his horse crossed the finish line in first place. Now that's a memorable way to go.
Despite the dark subject matter, this is a highly entertaining book. I hope somewhere down the line the publishers will consider an audiobook version, as, with the right narrator, it would make for a great listening experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the read.
January 26, 2024
In this book, we are taken on a tour of various bizarre and ironic deaths that people have died over the past several millennia, some with plenty of backstory and some just as vignettes.
I am a macabre person - I enjoy true crime, creepy mysteries, high strange events. But sometimes you want to return to the basics, and that for me is weird stories from history. A dash of humor on the side is always appreciated too. As such, this book sounded right up my alley.
This is a pretty short book, less than 200 pages, and I sped through it quickly. The author takes us through dozens of strange deaths, some comical and some horrific, with some backstory on the lives those people lived before they died. Those with fame and fortune are overrepresented of course, but that is just how the recording of history was for a long time. I appreciated that the author tried to include stories from many cultures and civilizations, and found his light-hearted and ironic tone very funny.
However, it's definitely a read that's somewhat light on details, as we clip by several millennia worth of deaths at so swift a pace we haven't got time for pit stops. Gazur also includes some well known potentially apocryphal stories - while he does note them, I think it could have been fun to substitute these with less famous, better sourced ones. We also spent more time in antiquity that I expected, and would have liked a greater number of medieval or modern stories included instead.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I am a macabre person - I enjoy true crime, creepy mysteries, high strange events. But sometimes you want to return to the basics, and that for me is weird stories from history. A dash of humor on the side is always appreciated too. As such, this book sounded right up my alley.
This is a pretty short book, less than 200 pages, and I sped through it quickly. The author takes us through dozens of strange deaths, some comical and some horrific, with some backstory on the lives those people lived before they died. Those with fame and fortune are overrepresented of course, but that is just how the recording of history was for a long time. I appreciated that the author tried to include stories from many cultures and civilizations, and found his light-hearted and ironic tone very funny.
However, it's definitely a read that's somewhat light on details, as we clip by several millennia worth of deaths at so swift a pace we haven't got time for pit stops. Gazur also includes some well known potentially apocryphal stories - while he does note them, I think it could have been fun to substitute these with less famous, better sourced ones. We also spent more time in antiquity that I expected, and would have liked a greater number of medieval or modern stories included instead.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 30, 2024
From being roasted alive inside a bronze bull, to having a tortoise dropped on their head, to death by clown, this book looks at some of the not just strange, but in some instances, gruesome & horrific ways that people have died throughout history.
Due to the passage of time since they happened, some may be rumours or exaggerations of what truly occurred - well one can hope. It's an interesting read, even if some of the stories cannot be verified (the author gives the reader some alternative explanations for some of the more unlikely ones.) All I will say is: I knew there's a reason I've never liked clowns. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword History, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Due to the passage of time since they happened, some may be rumours or exaggerations of what truly occurred - well one can hope. It's an interesting read, even if some of the stories cannot be verified (the author gives the reader some alternative explanations for some of the more unlikely ones.) All I will say is: I knew there's a reason I've never liked clowns. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword History, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
March 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Strange Ways to Die in History.
A great title for a hilarious book recounting the hilarious, disturbing, and ironic ways people have died in history.
Apparently, the further we go back in time, the oddest and unusual the deaths are, including death by toilet, getting knocked off your horse, bumping your head on a door...the list goes on and on.
It's pretty funny. But not if you're the one who went out in that particularly embarrassing way.
The author makes a great point by noting that sometimes how a person dies, and how history has recorded the event, tells us a lot about society, the social and political context at the time and how we remember.
Death will come to us all, but hopefully it will be a peaceful one for most of us, and not the weird, bizarre, and unusual ways like what happened to the people in this book.
A great title for a hilarious book recounting the hilarious, disturbing, and ironic ways people have died in history.
Apparently, the further we go back in time, the oddest and unusual the deaths are, including death by toilet, getting knocked off your horse, bumping your head on a door...the list goes on and on.
It's pretty funny. But not if you're the one who went out in that particularly embarrassing way.
The author makes a great point by noting that sometimes how a person dies, and how history has recorded the event, tells us a lot about society, the social and political context at the time and how we remember.
Death will come to us all, but hopefully it will be a peaceful one for most of us, and not the weird, bizarre, and unusual ways like what happened to the people in this book.
November 11, 2024
This is a really interesting and fascinating book that looks at various deaths throughout history. The writing style is fast paced and flows very well from one story to another. If you find morbid history interesting, I think you will enjoy this. Special Thank You to Ben Gazur, Pen & Sword and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2025
It's mentioned in another review, but historical context and details are sparse in this book. The stories themselves are pretty funny for the most part, but I found the context insufficient, even though I realize that for a compilation, brevity is important. The issue is more the references to other people or to significant historical events that the reader probably doesn't know about and can take away from the actual story. When details like that are brought up, you have to take for granted that they're accurate and relevant. That and the typos, of which there are way too many in the book.
An overall entertaining, albeit poorly proofread collection of stories.
An overall entertaining, albeit poorly proofread collection of stories.
November 16, 2023
‘Fun’ seems like too cheerful a word considering the subject matter, but the fact is, this book of short vignettes really was a lot of fun to read. It would make a wonderful coffee table or bathroom book.
January 24, 2024
I’m always keen to learn about all things strange and unusual so the opportunity to discover some of the more bizarre ways that humans have met their end was too tempting to pass up. Here, you’ll learn about the often untimely deaths of people from the ancient world, the Middle Ages and the modern world.
In the ancient world, we have people being cooked by Brazen Bull, turned into a pillar of salt and torn apart by dogs. There’s death by elephant, roof tile and being fed to eels.
Sisamnes learned the hard way not to take a bribe. His throat was cut and he was flayed. As if that wasn’t bad enough, his skin was then made into a chair for the next governor to sit in. Who was the next governor? Sisamnes’ son.
In the Middle Ages, you could meet your maker by bucket, being quartered or by toilet, as was the case for sixty people who drowned during the Erfurt Latrine Disaster.
Then there was Charles II of Navarre who, covered in sores and boils, was “sewn into strips of linen at night that had been soaked in brandy.” The maid responsible for sewing Charles into his sack forgot her scissors one night so decided to burn a loose thread. This went as well as expected, with the king dying almost a month later as a result of his burns.
The modern world gives us technological advances but it also gives you death by scarf, turnip and clown.
Besides the potential to make you squeamish, György Dózsa teaches us that declaring yourself king can result in a truly memorable death. In all seriousness, if you’re squeamish, don’t Google him.
Now, to lighten the mood, there have been those who died from laughter. A mayor tripped over his beard and one king may have died by pudding. Others have been bested by lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Or by someone wearing a bear costume.
This was an entertaining read. The entries are succinct, providing a summary of the best/worst bits of the lives of some poor unfortunate souls. At times the writing could be a bit crude, especially when it wandered into toilet humour territory, but if you’re a reader who’s easily offended, it’s unlikely you’ll be picking this book up in the first place.
It ends with some famous last words. My favourite of the bunch came from a man whose death came by guillotine during the French Revolution.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
It is estimated that since the human species first came into existence, slightly over 100 billion people have died. It would be surprising if at least some of the them did not do so in extraordinary, noteworthy, or downright comic ways.This book’s dearly departed don’t always expire in ways that would result in a Darwin Award but they do run the gamut of deathly debacles, from war and disease to human stupidity.
In the ancient world, we have people being cooked by Brazen Bull, turned into a pillar of salt and torn apart by dogs. There’s death by elephant, roof tile and being fed to eels.
Sisamnes learned the hard way not to take a bribe. His throat was cut and he was flayed. As if that wasn’t bad enough, his skin was then made into a chair for the next governor to sit in. Who was the next governor? Sisamnes’ son.
In the Middle Ages, you could meet your maker by bucket, being quartered or by toilet, as was the case for sixty people who drowned during the Erfurt Latrine Disaster.
Then there was Charles II of Navarre who, covered in sores and boils, was “sewn into strips of linen at night that had been soaked in brandy.” The maid responsible for sewing Charles into his sack forgot her scissors one night so decided to burn a loose thread. This went as well as expected, with the king dying almost a month later as a result of his burns.
The modern world gives us technological advances but it also gives you death by scarf, turnip and clown.
Besides the potential to make you squeamish, György Dózsa teaches us that declaring yourself king can result in a truly memorable death. In all seriousness, if you’re squeamish, don’t Google him.
Now, to lighten the mood, there have been those who died from laughter. A mayor tripped over his beard and one king may have died by pudding. Others have been bested by lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Or by someone wearing a bear costume.
This was an entertaining read. The entries are succinct, providing a summary of the best/worst bits of the lives of some poor unfortunate souls. At times the writing could be a bit crude, especially when it wandered into toilet humour territory, but if you’re a reader who’s easily offended, it’s unlikely you’ll be picking this book up in the first place.
It ends with some famous last words. My favourite of the bunch came from a man whose death came by guillotine during the French Revolution.
When Thomas de Mahy was sentenced to death, he gave the order for his execution a read and handed it back, saying: ‘I see that you have made three spelling mistakes.’Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pen & Sword History, an imprint of Pen & Sword Books, for granting my wish to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
February 27, 2024
Unusual deaths include unique or extremely rare circumstances of death that have been recorded throughout history.Draco of Athens was a lawmaker who was reportedly smothered to death by gifts of cloaks and hats showered upon him by appreciative citizens at a theatre in Aegina, Greece.
For Pythagoras the Greek philosopher and polymath, there were theories that he was either murdered by his political enemies, or, that he supposedly almost managed to outrun them, but he came to a bean field and refused to run through it, as he had prohibited beans as ritually unclean.Since cutting through the field would violate his own teachings,Pythagoras simply stopped running and was killed.
The first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, whose artifacts and treasures include the Terracotta Army, died after ingesting several pills of mercury in the belief that it would grant him eternal life. Greek philosopher Chrysippus of Soli died of laughter after he saw a donkey eating his figs; he told a slave to give the donkey neat wine to drink with which to wash them down. Saint Lawrence, the deacon, was roasted alive on a giant grill during the persecution of Valerian.Prudentius tells that he joked with his tormentors,"Turn me over—I'm done on this side".He is now the patron saint of cooks, chefs, and comedians.Constans II,the Byzantine Emperor was assassinated with a bucket according to Theophilus of Edessa.Louis III of France, King of West Francia, died aged around 18 at Saint-Denis.Whilst mounting his horse to pursue a girl who was running to seek refuge in her father's house, he hit his head on the lintel of a low door and fell, fracturing his skull.Charles VIII of France died as the result of striking his head on the lintel of a door while on his way to watch a game of real tennis.Jean-Baptiste Lully the French composer died of a gangrenous abscess after accidentally piercing his foot with a staff while he was vigorously conducting a Te Deum. It was customary at that time to conduct by banging a staff on the floor.The Erfurt latrine Disaster of 1184.Henry I of Casile was 13yo when he was killed by a tile that fell from a roof.London Beer Flood of 1814 etc.
For Pythagoras the Greek philosopher and polymath, there were theories that he was either murdered by his political enemies, or, that he supposedly almost managed to outrun them, but he came to a bean field and refused to run through it, as he had prohibited beans as ritually unclean.Since cutting through the field would violate his own teachings,Pythagoras simply stopped running and was killed.
The first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, whose artifacts and treasures include the Terracotta Army, died after ingesting several pills of mercury in the belief that it would grant him eternal life. Greek philosopher Chrysippus of Soli died of laughter after he saw a donkey eating his figs; he told a slave to give the donkey neat wine to drink with which to wash them down. Saint Lawrence, the deacon, was roasted alive on a giant grill during the persecution of Valerian.Prudentius tells that he joked with his tormentors,"Turn me over—I'm done on this side".He is now the patron saint of cooks, chefs, and comedians.Constans II,the Byzantine Emperor was assassinated with a bucket according to Theophilus of Edessa.Louis III of France, King of West Francia, died aged around 18 at Saint-Denis.Whilst mounting his horse to pursue a girl who was running to seek refuge in her father's house, he hit his head on the lintel of a low door and fell, fracturing his skull.Charles VIII of France died as the result of striking his head on the lintel of a door while on his way to watch a game of real tennis.Jean-Baptiste Lully the French composer died of a gangrenous abscess after accidentally piercing his foot with a staff while he was vigorously conducting a Te Deum. It was customary at that time to conduct by banging a staff on the floor.The Erfurt latrine Disaster of 1184.Henry I of Casile was 13yo when he was killed by a tile that fell from a roof.London Beer Flood of 1814 etc.
November 21, 2023
From a king who’s thrown collapsed and killed him to a defense attorney showing how a man could accidentally pull out a gun and shoot him self and then does it there’s an arch Duchess who’s woolen dress caught on fire and burned her to death a man who king Olaf wanted to convert to Christianity and because he wouldn’t stuck a snake down his throat in the snake promply ate its way out, Killing the man… I mean that’s Christianity at its best isn’t it? They have some really unbelievable stories as well like there was a king named Heliogabalus and they claim he would have flowers fall out of the ceiling and sometimes there would be so many they were guest who would die from not being able to get out of the pile of flora not to mention he would also have inflatable furniture that he would let the air out of this was just for laugh and this is something I only mention because I did not at all believe this this was in 220 CE and balloons and inflatable anything wasn’t invented until 1828… But I can say with the amount of information in this book how some dubious information may get in but there’s more of it that is provable than just this one faux pas that I am wasting this review on… My apologies. There’s even some modern day deths that I found interesting but then again I found the whole book interesting dubious or not this is a great book and I believe any history fan who likes the dark and macabre will definitely love this history book. The author did a great job putting in lots of stories and some are one-liners and some can go on for pages but all are very interesting. I want to think Pen and Sword history and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
December 20, 2023
Strange Ways to Die in History by Ben Gazur is an enthralling exploration into a scintillatingly macabre topic. Each of us will die one day, though few live like today is our last. Of the countless ways to die, these are some of the most ghoulish, embarrassing and stupefying. The author provides a caveat...not all details are completely accurate but they are wherever possible. He also notes that the all involved are "outside of living memory" and stories include people who lived in ancient times, middle ages and in the Victorian era and everything between.
Death...and how a culture and era views it...says a lot about the socio-economic condition, mores and lifestyle. Archaeologists and anthropologists must have many aha moments in their jobs. The writing style is conversational and at times comedic, a very accessible and easy read. Hopefully there is another batch in the works!
Amongst the most interesting stories include Draco who was honoured and lauded by his people but succumbed to suffocation beneath clothes thrown in (on) his path, a poisoned quill used as a toothpick caused gangrene and death, lumps of molten lead poured down throats, being frightened to death at parties, tripping and falling down marble stairs, toxic mushrooms, swung by the heels by a clown and a hapless snake forced down an equally hapless man's throat.
Intrigued? Don't miss this if you are mesmerized by the weird and unusual.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this riveting book.
Death...and how a culture and era views it...says a lot about the socio-economic condition, mores and lifestyle. Archaeologists and anthropologists must have many aha moments in their jobs. The writing style is conversational and at times comedic, a very accessible and easy read. Hopefully there is another batch in the works!
Amongst the most interesting stories include Draco who was honoured and lauded by his people but succumbed to suffocation beneath clothes thrown in (on) his path, a poisoned quill used as a toothpick caused gangrene and death, lumps of molten lead poured down throats, being frightened to death at parties, tripping and falling down marble stairs, toxic mushrooms, swung by the heels by a clown and a hapless snake forced down an equally hapless man's throat.
Intrigued? Don't miss this if you are mesmerized by the weird and unusual.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this riveting book.
December 17, 2023
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Pen & Sword via NetGalley.
This book delves into the bizarre, curious, and sometimes downright peculiar demises that individuals have met throughout history. It explores unusual accidents, peculiar assassinations, and extraordinary misfortunes that led to unexpected deaths. The book intriguingly unravels true stories behind odd incidents, such as a playwright allegedly meeting his end due to a tortoise dropped by an eagle, an English vicar becoming prey to lions, and the surprising fatality rates associated with falling into toilets. Through these unusual tales, it sheds light on both well-known and forgotten individuals, showcasing how their deaths offer insights into societies and their collective remembrance.
This book is an absolute treat for history enthusiasts like myself, having delved into the pages of history as a major in college. What a delight it was! The book's concise and well-structured narrative kept me engaged from start to finish. Each story, more peculiar than the last, unfolded with clarity and precision, making it easy to absorb the intriguing and often odd demises of historical figures. The organization of the book allowed for a seamless journey through these unusual yet fascinating events. For any fellow history lovers seeking a riveting read that takes a curious dive into the more eccentric tales of the past, this book certainly delivers.
This book delves into the bizarre, curious, and sometimes downright peculiar demises that individuals have met throughout history. It explores unusual accidents, peculiar assassinations, and extraordinary misfortunes that led to unexpected deaths. The book intriguingly unravels true stories behind odd incidents, such as a playwright allegedly meeting his end due to a tortoise dropped by an eagle, an English vicar becoming prey to lions, and the surprising fatality rates associated with falling into toilets. Through these unusual tales, it sheds light on both well-known and forgotten individuals, showcasing how their deaths offer insights into societies and their collective remembrance.
This book is an absolute treat for history enthusiasts like myself, having delved into the pages of history as a major in college. What a delight it was! The book's concise and well-structured narrative kept me engaged from start to finish. Each story, more peculiar than the last, unfolded with clarity and precision, making it easy to absorb the intriguing and often odd demises of historical figures. The organization of the book allowed for a seamless journey through these unusual yet fascinating events. For any fellow history lovers seeking a riveting read that takes a curious dive into the more eccentric tales of the past, this book certainly delivers.
November 20, 2023
Death is a very serious subject. Except when it isn’t. This text is so funny that I had to laugh out loud several times. Yes, I have a dark sense of humor, but the author is actually very smart, and never cruel, with his puns. From antiquity, this is a compendium of weird, funny, or unusual deaths. Some famous people, others who are unknown. Philosophers, doctors, scientists, kings, soldiers and just normal folk. Some are legends, others are documented. The author doesn’t explore more recent demises but ends with the early twentieth century. This is a fast, easy read, that made me learn history too. It reminded me a bit of the Chronicles of St. Mary's time travel series, where the characters try to find out if the deaths of famous people were really as reported. Since we don’t have a time machine, this will do.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Pen & Sword History.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Pen & Sword History.
March 7, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: One thing is for certain. We are all going to die. It is a universal truth. This book looks at some of the more unorthodox ways that different people throughout history have slipped the surly bonds. The author, when appropriate, calls out some of the more questionable stories and often tells the conflicting accounts that have become part of the folklore of some individuals.
Some of these deaths are heroic but more make the book because they are odd or ironic. There is more than one “live by the sword, die by the sword” example. Some are sad but some are funny…although clearly not to the person who managed to make it into the book. It is a very tongue in cheek look at the journeys of some into the great hereafter. It is the kind of book that one could read snippets or go from cover to cover. If your tastes run to quirky, you will enjoy the read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Some of these deaths are heroic but more make the book because they are odd or ironic. There is more than one “live by the sword, die by the sword” example. Some are sad but some are funny…although clearly not to the person who managed to make it into the book. It is a very tongue in cheek look at the journeys of some into the great hereafter. It is the kind of book that one could read snippets or go from cover to cover. If your tastes run to quirky, you will enjoy the read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
December 1, 2023
Strange Ways to Die in History is a fun romp of a book if you have a sense of morbid curiosity. The vignettes appearing in this edition cover the strange, funny, and perhaps uncomfortable ways in which people have met their end of the mortal coil. The humor within never felt heavy-handed, but I think humor is subjective and you should tread lightly if morbid humor isn't your thing. This was a quick read, I read it in one day, but this would also be suitable for those who wish to pick it up and read a few pages here and there.
This book would make for a great gift for those who enjoy dark humor, history, or who want to explore the ways in which people face and came to terms with their demise. Thank you to Pen and Sword and NetGalley for providing an eARC for my review. I'm looking forward for the full release so I can add this book to my collection.
This book would make for a great gift for those who enjoy dark humor, history, or who want to explore the ways in which people face and came to terms with their demise. Thank you to Pen and Sword and NetGalley for providing an eARC for my review. I'm looking forward for the full release so I can add this book to my collection.
January 3, 2024
A fascinating insight into a large number of weird causes of death throughout history. I loved the author's dry sense of humour that accompanied many of stories.
The Christian saints seem to have suffered more than their fair share of terribly violent and inventive executions. It is very hard to imagine the amount of pain that they had to endure during their last hours on earth. It was also surprising that some of the 'Saints' could also be very sadistic, inflicting carnage on innocent victims.
Many of the people covered in the book are perfect candidates for the Darwin Awards (which recognises individuals who have contributed to human evolution by selecting themselves out of the gene pool by dying or becoming sterilized by their own actions).
I enjoyed this book so much, I am going to recommend it to my local Book Club.
The Christian saints seem to have suffered more than their fair share of terribly violent and inventive executions. It is very hard to imagine the amount of pain that they had to endure during their last hours on earth. It was also surprising that some of the 'Saints' could also be very sadistic, inflicting carnage on innocent victims.
Many of the people covered in the book are perfect candidates for the Darwin Awards (which recognises individuals who have contributed to human evolution by selecting themselves out of the gene pool by dying or becoming sterilized by their own actions).
I enjoyed this book so much, I am going to recommend it to my local Book Club.
March 30, 2024
"Strange Ways to Die in History: The Heroic, Tragic and Funny" by Ben Gazur is a captivating exploration of the bizarre and often unbelievable ways individuals have met their demise throughout history. Gazur's book offers a unique blend of humor, curiosity, and historical insight, making it both entertaining and informative. From the heroic sacrifices to the tragically absurd accidents, each story is meticulously researched and presented with wit and charm. Gazur's writing style effortlessly draws readers into the strange and sometimes macabre world of historical deaths, offering a fresh perspective on the quirks of human fate. Whether you're a history buff or simply intrigued by the peculiarities of the past, "Strange Ways to Die in History" is a delightful read that will leave you both amused and enlightened.
January 13, 2024
Have you ever seen that TV show, “1000 Ways to Die?” This is basically a historical version of that in book form, and it’s great. There is some dark comedy in here, but it isn’t distasteful, and even though the book is divided into ancient, medieval, and modern times, the author intentionally doesn’t cover any remotely recent deaths from living memory. Each of the stories covered are brief, so you could read this in a couple sittings, or stretch it out for a while. The author also provides conflicting accounts and notes when things might be more fanciful than fact. Overall this is a really enjoyable read, especially considering it is about death.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
May 25, 2024
I like to read non-fiction inbetween the fiction novels I devour on a regular basis (for the literal among you, not literally! lol). It takes me a while to read them though so I apologise to the author for taking my time reading this book.
This was an interesting read, although, of course, some of the ways that people have died in history have been gruesome, to say the least! Nevertheless, it shows how times have changed over the years and our attitudes to death as well. Some of the deaths made me cringe, well and truly.
I liked this book, a lot, and give thanks to the author for taking the time to do all this research on a topic that isn't most people's cup of tea.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
This was an interesting read, although, of course, some of the ways that people have died in history have been gruesome, to say the least! Nevertheless, it shows how times have changed over the years and our attitudes to death as well. Some of the deaths made me cringe, well and truly.
I liked this book, a lot, and give thanks to the author for taking the time to do all this research on a topic that isn't most people's cup of tea.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
September 30, 2024
📖 NetGalley Review
Strange Ways to Die in History by Ben Gazur
Pen & Sword History, 30th January 2024
This fascinating book presents the true stories behind unlikely tales of bizarre accidents, assassinations, and misadventures, covering the time period from the ancients to 1983.
The author's pleasing writing style ensures this fast-paced read flows from one fact to another with little or no padding. It's interesting and highly entertaining from the first page, with some of the accounts making me laugh out loud! It is full of scintillating information, and author Ben Gazur's sense of humour shines through each and every page. A delightful history lesson.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ben Gazur and Pen & Sword History for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.
Strange Ways to Die in History by Ben Gazur
Pen & Sword History, 30th January 2024
This fascinating book presents the true stories behind unlikely tales of bizarre accidents, assassinations, and misadventures, covering the time period from the ancients to 1983.
The author's pleasing writing style ensures this fast-paced read flows from one fact to another with little or no padding. It's interesting and highly entertaining from the first page, with some of the accounts making me laugh out loud! It is full of scintillating information, and author Ben Gazur's sense of humour shines through each and every page. A delightful history lesson.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ben Gazur and Pen & Sword History for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.
December 9, 2023
Thank you to Pen & Sword, Netgalley and the author Ben Gazur for an ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This book is one big collection of, like the title suggests, weird, interesting and bizarre ways people have perished. The book is split into three parts, allowing it to tell stories from antiquity to now. One issue I had was that, while it did say in the beginning of the book that not all of these stories were based on reliable sources, each individual story did not feature a discussion of the reliability of it specifically. Also, the language at times was in a weird spot, at an awkward place being in between fully formal and fully joking. Overall, this book is a fun read.
This book is one big collection of, like the title suggests, weird, interesting and bizarre ways people have perished. The book is split into three parts, allowing it to tell stories from antiquity to now. One issue I had was that, while it did say in the beginning of the book that not all of these stories were based on reliable sources, each individual story did not feature a discussion of the reliability of it specifically. Also, the language at times was in a weird spot, at an awkward place being in between fully formal and fully joking. Overall, this book is a fun read.
December 31, 2023
Strange Ways to Die in History is a collection of some of the weirdest deaths in recorded history. This exploration throughout the times is definitely a 'fun' read for those with a sense of morbid curiosity. This is a book you could easily sit through and read from start to finish or, if you prefer, read small chunks throughout your day and enjoy this way. The addition of images towards the end of the book was something I found rather interesting and provided a greater insight of the strange deaths held within these pages.
If you're a history buff this is your next read!
Thank you to the publishers and Ben Gazur for the ARC!!
If you're a history buff this is your next read!
Thank you to the publishers and Ben Gazur for the ARC!!
December 27, 2023
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
From the outset this feels like a morbid book to read and enjoy, but enjoy I did! Strange Ways to Die in History is very well researched, extremely informative without being tedious. It was like reading mini QI exerpts (in the best way!). There were a couple of grammatical errors towards the end of the book, but I imagine these will be fixed before publication. The photos and pictures at the end of the book were a nice touch.
4/5
From the outset this feels like a morbid book to read and enjoy, but enjoy I did! Strange Ways to Die in History is very well researched, extremely informative without being tedious. It was like reading mini QI exerpts (in the best way!). There were a couple of grammatical errors towards the end of the book, but I imagine these will be fixed before publication. The photos and pictures at the end of the book were a nice touch.
4/5
January 8, 2024
*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
As odd as it sounds this book was a fun read! While learning about important people their death is usually covered, but to have a book that focuses on the deaths of these people is something different. I found this book engaging and interesting and I needed to keep reading to see what the next strange death would be. If you are a fan of history, or odd subject topics this book is for you!
As odd as it sounds this book was a fun read! While learning about important people their death is usually covered, but to have a book that focuses on the deaths of these people is something different. I found this book engaging and interesting and I needed to keep reading to see what the next strange death would be. If you are a fan of history, or odd subject topics this book is for you!
November 17, 2023
Thank you to the publishers - Pen & Sword, Pen & Sword History - for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
A quick, little read about all sorts of strange deaths throughout history from Antiquity to modern day time. Easy to follow as it goes chronologically thoughout history.
It was fine.
A quick, little read about all sorts of strange deaths throughout history from Antiquity to modern day time. Easy to follow as it goes chronologically thoughout history.
It was fine.
December 22, 2023
An enjoyable book a strange, funny or just weird deaths throughout history. It is presented in quick stories which make it an excellent book to read on the the go or when you have to go to the bathroom (which some of the deaths involve). quick read that shows that one common denominator for us all is death..hopefully in not such a way that will end up in a further volume of this book.
January 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
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This was a very interesting read.
It's really interesting and fun fast read as the author has a very engaging way to write about this bizarre, some even funny, deaths.
I highly recommend it to all fans of weird and interesting historic facts and that also enjoy the macabre facts.
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This was a very interesting read.
It's really interesting and fun fast read as the author has a very engaging way to write about this bizarre, some even funny, deaths.
I highly recommend it to all fans of weird and interesting historic facts and that also enjoy the macabre facts.
January 11, 2024
A fun look at strange deaths throughout history! The author takes the reader through three time periods - ancient, medieval, and modern- presenting stories of strange ways people have died. I thought this was really interesting and easy to read! You can read a few or a ton at a time, as most stories are fairly short.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2024
One thing is for certain, death comes for all of us and Strange Ways to Die in History shows us that no matter who we are or how high we’ve climbed in status, we are all susceptible to dying in the most embarrassing ways. Some of the deaths are outright terrifying, some downright funny, all prove that real life is stranger than fiction.
The short entries make this book perfect for picking up anytime and the cover begs to be featured on a bookshelf. It’s a great conversation piece and more than one time I found myself looking to read more about some of the featured dead.
This is a fun read and will appeal to those who love facts, history, and macabre death.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for providing me with an ARC of this book to enjoy.
The short entries make this book perfect for picking up anytime and the cover begs to be featured on a bookshelf. It’s a great conversation piece and more than one time I found myself looking to read more about some of the featured dead.
This is a fun read and will appeal to those who love facts, history, and macabre death.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for providing me with an ARC of this book to enjoy.
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