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They Lost Their Heads!: What Happened to Washington's Teeth, Einstein's Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts
From the kidnapping of Einstein's brain to the horrifying end of Louis XIV's heart, the mysteries surrounding some of history's most famous body parts range from medical to macabre. Carlyn Beccia explores the misadventures of noteworthy body parts through history and springboards to exploring STEM topics such as forensics, DNA testing, brain science, organ donation, and cloning. The engaging tone, wonderfully creepy subject matter, and delightfully detailed art are sure to capture even the most reluctant readers.
The famous people and their body parts
Galileo Galilei / Fingers
Louis XIV / Heart
George Washington / Teeth
Franz Joseph Hadyn / Head
Beethoven / Hair
Abraham Lincoln / Body
Chang and Eng Bunker / Liver
Phineas Gage / Skull
John Wilkes Booth / Neck vertebrae
Sarah Bernhardt / Leg
Vincent Van Gogh / Ear
Mata Hari / Head
Albert Einstein / Brain
Elvis Presley / Wart
Thomas Edison / Last Breath
The famous people and their body parts
Galileo Galilei / Fingers
Louis XIV / Heart
George Washington / Teeth
Franz Joseph Hadyn / Head
Beethoven / Hair
Abraham Lincoln / Body
Chang and Eng Bunker / Liver
Phineas Gage / Skull
John Wilkes Booth / Neck vertebrae
Sarah Bernhardt / Leg
Vincent Van Gogh / Ear
Mata Hari / Head
Albert Einstein / Brain
Elvis Presley / Wart
Thomas Edison / Last Breath
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2018
13 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
Carlyn Beccia
19 books32 followersCarlyn Beccia (pronounced Betcha) is an author, illustrator, graphic designer, and historian. Beccia's children’s books, including Who Put the B In the Ballyhoo?, Raucous Royals, I Feel Better with a Frog In My Throat, Fashion Rebels, and They Lost Their Heads, have won numerous awards including; The Golden Kite Honor, the International Reading Association's Children's and Young Adult Book Award, and the Cybil Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 4, 2024
➳ 5 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧
the amount of times i read this as kid was unhealthy 🎀
₊˚ ✧ ‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿ ✧ ₊˚
➳ reread 2 • 2 • 24 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
rereading this felt like being back in my 12-year-old self’s mind. this book changed my brain chemistry and it was so fun revisiting it. carlyn beccia is a genius
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
the amount of times i read this as kid was unhealthy 🎀
₊˚ ✧ ‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿ ✧ ₊˚
➳ reread 2 • 2 • 24 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
rereading this felt like being back in my 12-year-old self’s mind. this book changed my brain chemistry and it was so fun revisiting it. carlyn beccia is a genius
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
May 8, 2018
Fascinating. Disgusting. Keep your mobile device close because you’ll be google-ing yourself down a rabbit hole for sure!
February 25, 2018
Filled with twisted humor and all sorts of facts about body parts, this book was a quick and entertaining story. While I read it in one sitting, I can easily see that it would be possible to pick this book up and read a page or two at a time without confusion. The book is quite episodic with selections ranging from a paragraph to three pages or so. Each selection describes what happens to a famous someone's body part or it talks about burial customs or decomposition or...
The book is also liberally sprinkled with footnotes that either add additional detail, direct the reader to search google for more information, or are complete asides by the author. The book is also heavily illustrated by the author. I read the ARC but assume that the finished drawing will still be in black and white and rather cartoonish. They do add some interesting detail to the stories.
Middle grade fans with a rather gruesome sense of humor will particularly enjoy these entertaining bits of trivia.
The book is also liberally sprinkled with footnotes that either add additional detail, direct the reader to search google for more information, or are complete asides by the author. The book is also heavily illustrated by the author. I read the ARC but assume that the finished drawing will still be in black and white and rather cartoonish. They do add some interesting detail to the stories.
Middle grade fans with a rather gruesome sense of humor will particularly enjoy these entertaining bits of trivia.
December 16, 2018
They Lost Their Heads by Carlyn Beccia is a hilarious book, I love how the author leaves little notes in the side, which always cracks me up. This book tells the story from beyond the grave and teaches how death works and examples of it like what happened to George Washington’s teeth, Einstein's brain and more! My favorite part is where she talks in detail about decomposition then makes a note on the side saying sorry she made a food reference and that she is eating lunch. I recommend this book to everyone who is questionable about death.
July 15, 2018
This was a cool historical book that was funny. Like, actually funny. This made me laugh out loud sometimes. I was absolutely devastated when it ended and would gladly buy about three different copies! I recommend it for ages 10 +. You really should know who some of these people are before your read this book. And it is okay if you don't know these people, because you are never going to know some of these people. But, either way, it's still a great book with great facts that everyone should read at least once!
July 9, 2018
Great for fans of Bragg’s How They Croaked. It was disgusting and fascinating. I really enjoyed it! My only complaint was the author’s footnotes. Some of them added to the text but most were just an annoying distraction.
December 13, 2021
I read this a while ago back when it was hard to find books that interested me, let alone a non-fiction book. But this one is so cool! It's both fascinating and disgusting and makes for a super fun and informational read.
February 24, 2020
If you like historical trivia of the icky and macabre sort, you will enjoy this book very much. It is both entertaining and informative.
May 9, 2018
A fun, informative read full of fascinating historical anecdotes and gross tidbits. I wish it were a tad shorter but I'm guessing this will be a hit with my elementary crowd.
August 22, 2018
Lose "crazy," "nut-job," etc.
Almost entirely western.
Not entirely correct about Nelson.
Almost entirely western.
Not entirely correct about Nelson.
May 20, 2019
It was actually interesting and disgusting learning about the parts and the people!
January 7, 2023
Another non-fiction work on the subject of the dead that really captured my attention. I understand that the middle grade readers are the intended audience of this book and these strange facts are part of our history, but maybe not every kids would feel comfortable reading about dismembered parts like grinding the brain into a pulp or drinking criminal's blood at such a young age; however, I'm certain that grownups will find this to be highly intriguing and educational. Some gruesome parts were replaced with food analogies and the author's comments on the footnotes were hilarious and entertaining.
If you enjoyed this book, try to read "Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach, which covers similar topics like corpse medicine, head transplants, body snatchers, and so on.
I would appreciate any similar recommendations, too!
If you enjoyed this book, try to read "Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach, which covers similar topics like corpse medicine, head transplants, body snatchers, and so on.
I would appreciate any similar recommendations, too!
April 7, 2023
This was a delightful and entertaining quick read. It is very morbid in spots, but very informative. The stories behind each famous body part can get pretty funny. Some sections also have extra information about other not so famous people. This is considered a middle school book, but I highly recommend it to all ages.
February 28, 2024
Funny, I loved the small print lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
I absolutely love these types of books. Lots of information about what happened to famous figures and their body parts. We all heard about George Washington's teeth. But, did you know that his "dentist" had teeth from dead people in his dentures? If you are triggered by gross things, this book will not be for you. I love this type of stuff, so yeah, perfect for me. I'm going to look up if this author has any more of these books and check them out.
September 14, 2018
Perhaps it IS a bit early for the macabre, but it's also a bit too early for so much pumpkin spice*. So I'm just going to go with it.
You know what they say about life being stranger than fiction? Well the decidedly morbid content of They Lost Their Heads: What Happened to Washington's Teeth, Einstein's Brain and Other Famous Body Parts is truly better than anything the Horror Movie industry could cook up. Here, author Carlyn Beccia has collected dozens of twisted and true tales of Black Market body parts**, consumption of vital organs, and other freakish bits and pieces*** from throughout history. Seriously, it's so fascinating you can't look away. There's even a particularly gruesome story about a man who had a 4-foot metal rod driven through his skull...and lived to tell about it****. Although it's true that he was never quite "right" in the head after that little ordeal. You'll find all this here and more. It's actually pretty awesome. Not for those with weak stomachs*****, but awesome nevertheless.
I picked up They Lost Their Heads because my curiosity finally got the better of me, and was SO glad I did. It was entertaining from cover to cover, and I actually learned quite a bit of odd factual info to add to my "Did you know..." arsenal. Such as what happens to peoples' tonsils when they have them removed (eww!), what's really in that seemingly-empty test tube residing Henry Ford Museum's Edison display (hmmm), and just how far an Elvis fangirl went to make sure her collection paying tribute to the King was the best (seriously-EWW!).
I 100% recommend this one!
* Which, by the way, has already reached epidemic proportions...and Autumn doesn't even officially begin until next Saturday.
** Stolen, of course.
*** Literally and figuratively.
**** For more about Phineas Gage and his brain, check out Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman.
***** And perhaps not the best thing to read (or speak about) during mealtime.
You know what they say about life being stranger than fiction? Well the decidedly morbid content of They Lost Their Heads: What Happened to Washington's Teeth, Einstein's Brain and Other Famous Body Parts is truly better than anything the Horror Movie industry could cook up. Here, author Carlyn Beccia has collected dozens of twisted and true tales of Black Market body parts**, consumption of vital organs, and other freakish bits and pieces*** from throughout history. Seriously, it's so fascinating you can't look away. There's even a particularly gruesome story about a man who had a 4-foot metal rod driven through his skull...and lived to tell about it****. Although it's true that he was never quite "right" in the head after that little ordeal. You'll find all this here and more. It's actually pretty awesome. Not for those with weak stomachs*****, but awesome nevertheless.
I picked up They Lost Their Heads because my curiosity finally got the better of me, and was SO glad I did. It was entertaining from cover to cover, and I actually learned quite a bit of odd factual info to add to my "Did you know..." arsenal. Such as what happens to peoples' tonsils when they have them removed (eww!), what's really in that seemingly-empty test tube residing Henry Ford Museum's Edison display (hmmm), and just how far an Elvis fangirl went to make sure her collection paying tribute to the King was the best (seriously-EWW!).
I 100% recommend this one!
* Which, by the way, has already reached epidemic proportions...and Autumn doesn't even officially begin until next Saturday.
** Stolen, of course.
*** Literally and figuratively.
**** For more about Phineas Gage and his brain, check out Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman.
***** And perhaps not the best thing to read (or speak about) during mealtime.
April 17, 2018
Beccia, Carlyn They Lost Their Heads! 165 pages. NON-FICTION. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. $19. Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence PG.
After you read this book, you will either be the most popular or least popular guest at a party, depending on how many facts from this book you decide to share. And there is so much to share! Who knew that Ines de Castro, who was beheaded on orders from her future father-in-law, would be all dressed up waiting her coronation AFTER DEATH. Yep, her new subjects were ordered to bow and kiss the new queen’s hand, or at least what was left of her decaying corpse. Then there are infamous grave robbers who made a killing (literally) by supplying fresh corpses to medical schools. Instead of just digging them up, they murdered at least 16 people before one of the grave robber’s skin was tanned and made into wallets. Not making this up!
This is the ultimate fun read in macabre humor. Find out where famous people’s body parts are lurking besides their actual grave. Tabloid magazines have nothing on this book, which proves that truth is stranger than fiction. Beccia has an extensive bibliography to back up her great and gross stories. There are engaging black and white line drawings that add to the readability and make the text accessible. This is the perfect book to hook non-fiction readers and I couldn’t put it down.
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
After you read this book, you will either be the most popular or least popular guest at a party, depending on how many facts from this book you decide to share. And there is so much to share! Who knew that Ines de Castro, who was beheaded on orders from her future father-in-law, would be all dressed up waiting her coronation AFTER DEATH. Yep, her new subjects were ordered to bow and kiss the new queen’s hand, or at least what was left of her decaying corpse. Then there are infamous grave robbers who made a killing (literally) by supplying fresh corpses to medical schools. Instead of just digging them up, they murdered at least 16 people before one of the grave robber’s skin was tanned and made into wallets. Not making this up!
This is the ultimate fun read in macabre humor. Find out where famous people’s body parts are lurking besides their actual grave. Tabloid magazines have nothing on this book, which proves that truth is stranger than fiction. Beccia has an extensive bibliography to back up her great and gross stories. There are engaging black and white line drawings that add to the readability and make the text accessible. This is the perfect book to hook non-fiction readers and I couldn’t put it down.
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
July 19, 2018
This chronological stroll through history, focused on anything to do with bodies and body parts, combines entertaining with bizarre. The first story tells of the lovely Ines de Castro, whose exhumed corpse, seated on a throne in 1355, was crowned queen -- two years after she had been assassinated! The final example is that of Thomas Alva Edison whose last breath was captured in a test tube for his best friend Henry Ford to keep. The structure, composed of entries that range from several paragraphs to several pages, encourages both browsing and binge reading. The short, gripping narratives could easily prompt readers to look for further details; many are tales that have received full-length treatment in other books, such as Phineas Gage, Lincoln and his threat from body-snatchers, and Beethoven’s hair.
Beccia cleverly includes historical and STEM information about society and science at the time of the events. She ups the appeal factor by including numerous black and white illustrations that clarify the text and in many cases extend the already macabre humor. The footnotes were entertaining, but there were too many. Extensive end pages provide footnotes, bibliography organized by topic, and index. Recommend to readers in grades 5 – 8 that enjoy gross, but informative non-fiction in the same vein as Poop Happened! by Sarah Albee or How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg.
Beccia cleverly includes historical and STEM information about society and science at the time of the events. She ups the appeal factor by including numerous black and white illustrations that clarify the text and in many cases extend the already macabre humor. The footnotes were entertaining, but there were too many. Extensive end pages provide footnotes, bibliography organized by topic, and index. Recommend to readers in grades 5 – 8 that enjoy gross, but informative non-fiction in the same vein as Poop Happened! by Sarah Albee or How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg.
November 30, 2019
Ever wonder what happens to the body parts that get harvested from the famous, such as Einstein’s brain? This book helps to answer the question about Einstein’s brain as well as many other famous people. There are 16 profiles from Galilelo Galiliei to Abraham Lincoln, to Mercy Brown, heartless Vampire, and even Elvis Presley. Each profile covers the body parts or even the entire body that has been moved, saved, or in some cases even lost. Each profile gives the story of the famous person and what happened to their bodies after death. Each profile ends with a box of additional details called Where are they now? There are footnotes scattered throughout the book to explain the author’s choice of words for descriptions or provide a little additional information. In-between the profiles are different aspects of death and its customs through history. There are black and white illustrations throughout the book to help enhance the prose. Each profile also contains an illustration of the famous person being profiled. The end pages include a Notes on Sources section, a selected bibliography, and an index.
May 4, 2018
In "They Lost Their Heads," Carlyn Beccia serves up a heaping helping of stomach-churning accounts of the severed body parts of famous (or not so famous) folks. The genius of this book is how the author uses the "gross factor" to entice readers (target audience, grades 5-8) to learn and ask questions about history and science. Further leavened with snarky footnotes, the book covers such tales as the strange fate of Albert Einstein's brain, the theft of Hayden's skull, and the treasured display of Galileo's severed finger. I mean, how can you resist? These tales provide opportunities for learning about topics from phrenology to the biographies of monarchs, actresses, and scientist throughout history. Plus plenty about corpses. This book is sure to lure readers who prefer their nonfiction to be fun, funny, and a bit creepy. It's also well researched and well presented-- and well illustrated.
Thanks go to @kidlitexhange for an advance readers' copy (lacking an index and final features) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks go to @kidlitexhange for an advance readers' copy (lacking an index and final features) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2018
Full Review HERE
😂😂😂The graphic is liitttt! 😂😂😂
Gross.
Fascinating.
Odd.
Unbelievable.
I READ EVERY WORD!
This book causes severe "googling" and really brought out my Southern drawl as I kept saying things like: "Oh no they didn't" or "Bless their hearts".
I have also lengthened my bucket list because you know I want to track down Elvis' mole. 😂😂😂 I couldn't even type that without cracking up! Dang people are so weird!
If anyone wants my body parts and can sell them for millions, they are yours! I just request that you give my kids at least 33% (I don't want them getting too rich off my parts, they need to work!)
😂😂😂The graphic is liitttt! 😂😂😂
Gross.
Fascinating.
Odd.
Unbelievable.
I READ EVERY WORD!
This book causes severe "googling" and really brought out my Southern drawl as I kept saying things like: "Oh no they didn't" or "Bless their hearts".
I have also lengthened my bucket list because you know I want to track down Elvis' mole. 😂😂😂 I couldn't even type that without cracking up! Dang people are so weird!
If anyone wants my body parts and can sell them for millions, they are yours! I just request that you give my kids at least 33% (I don't want them getting too rich off my parts, they need to work!)
June 26, 2018
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This middle-grade nonfiction book covers all sorts of strange events involving famous people and their parts like Vincent Van Gogh’s ear and George Washington’s teeth. Some of the stories deal with death, and others just deal with the strange. The back notes that some of the topics could be springboards to exploring the STEM topics of forensics, DNA, and others.
Although I tend to shy away from the gross and macabre, this book was interesting. I can see some kids plowing through this just to share the stories and gross out their friends.
This middle-grade nonfiction book covers all sorts of strange events involving famous people and their parts like Vincent Van Gogh’s ear and George Washington’s teeth. Some of the stories deal with death, and others just deal with the strange. The back notes that some of the topics could be springboards to exploring the STEM topics of forensics, DNA, and others.
Although I tend to shy away from the gross and macabre, this book was interesting. I can see some kids plowing through this just to share the stories and gross out their friends.
April 23, 2019
In the tradition of "Horrible Histories" - humorous history detailing what happened to famous historical figures various body parts. Contains some gross-out humor, so not for those with delicate sensibilities. Excellent and entertaining footnotes. Besides discussing what happened to body parts, it also discusses some historical medical events, such as phrenology or grave robbing, in order to give some context to why someone would steal Hayden's skull (for example).
Geared for middle-grade readers, but excellent for anyone interested in history and doesn't mind gross stuff, or for those who like gross stuff and don't mind a little bit of history.
Geared for middle-grade readers, but excellent for anyone interested in history and doesn't mind gross stuff, or for those who like gross stuff and don't mind a little bit of history.
March 27, 2018
A book for the not-so-faint-of-heart but a definite book for those who look for horror or humor or mystery when it comes to death or body parts. Loved the mystery stories behind Lincoln's body being moved 17 times or the mystery of did John Wilkes Booth really die in that fire. I skipped parts that dealt with the more gruesome. Definitely, a book that will grab middle school reluctant male readers interest.
April 23, 2018
#kidlitexchange #partner
Thank to @kidlitexhange for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Ghoulish humor, clever writing, and fun illustrations add up to a great historical facts book! They Lost Their Heads is all about history’s body parts and the crazy situations they end up in. This one is a real kid pleaser but smart and funny enough for adults to enjoy too. A great edition to any non-fiction collection.
Thank to @kidlitexhange for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Ghoulish humor, clever writing, and fun illustrations add up to a great historical facts book! They Lost Their Heads is all about history’s body parts and the crazy situations they end up in. This one is a real kid pleaser but smart and funny enough for adults to enjoy too. A great edition to any non-fiction collection.
March 14, 2019
FROM GOODREADS SITE:
From the kidnapping of Einstein's brain to the horrifying end of Louis XIV's heart, the mysteries surrounding some of history's most famous body parts range from medical to macabre. Carlyn Beccia explores the misadventures of noteworthy body parts through history and springboards to exploring STEM topics such as forensics, DNA testing, brain science, organ donation, and cloning. The engaging tone, wonderfully creepy subject matter, and delightfully detailed art
From the kidnapping of Einstein's brain to the horrifying end of Louis XIV's heart, the mysteries surrounding some of history's most famous body parts range from medical to macabre. Carlyn Beccia explores the misadventures of noteworthy body parts through history and springboards to exploring STEM topics such as forensics, DNA testing, brain science, organ donation, and cloning. The engaging tone, wonderfully creepy subject matter, and delightfully detailed art
October 30, 2019
Lots of gory fun with "didja know?' tidbits to share with others. For instance, didja know that Ancient Romans considered gladiator blood valuable medicine, so when a gladiator died wealthy aristocrats would pay to suck it straight from the vein? Footnotes drolly talk directly from the author to the reader, doing things like apologizing for the food comparisons, and hoping the editor doesn't cut something out.
March 16, 2018
Definitely a morbid book written in good humor. Many interesting stories. I most enjoyed the DNA testing that was conducted on a number of people. Middle schoolers will enjoy the book. I received the book as a Goodreads Giveaway and I thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review the book.
September 5, 2018
Perfect book for booktalking to 6th grade. Short chapters on the disgusting details of famous people and their bodies upon death. Fascinating but limited in information, this is a great book to hook young readers into wanting to learn more about funeral practices, George Washington’s false teeth and more.
August 10, 2019
I love this book! I chose to read this because it is a Young Hoosier Book Award nominee. I will definitely be booktalking this!!!
The author is able to maintain a fine line between using just the right bit of macabre and not going overboard for this age group. It has wonderful disgusting facts and stories and is sure to keep middle schoolers engaged in tales of lost body parts.
The author is able to maintain a fine line between using just the right bit of macabre and not going overboard for this age group. It has wonderful disgusting facts and stories and is sure to keep middle schoolers engaged in tales of lost body parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews