Corpse Talk: Queens and Kings and Other Royal Rotters

Corpse Talk

by Adam Murphy, Lisa Murphy

Ever wonder what history's monarchs would say if you could talk to them? Well wonder no more, as historical monarchs are interviewed from the grave in this hilarious children's graphic novel

Welcome to Corpse Talk, the chat show with a difference - all of the guests are dead! Your host, Adam Murphy interviews magnificent monarchs throughout history in this hilarious graphic novel and talk-show style book.

Inside the pages of this delightful graphic novel for kids, you'll discover:

- Humorous text, in the format of an exchange between the interviewer and interviewee
- Full-page illustrations offer more detail on the broader cultural and historical context surrounding the monarch's stories - from the workings of Ramesses II's empire to the gruesome timeline of Henry VIII's (mostly) unfortunate brides
- A diverse selection of rancorous rulers from around the world, from the Sultan Saladin and Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di to Pharaoh Cleopatra and Empress Matilda

Bring history to life!

Have you heard of Montezuma, the last ruler of the Aztecs? Or wondered why Queen Victoria was not amused? Find out in this exciting graphic novel! Delve into the lives of famous rulers like Cleopatra, Ramesses II, Henry VIII, and Mary Antoinette who all made ructions in their ruling days. Writer Adam Murphy explores the why, the what, and what were you thinking of these monarchs' most notorious decisions and behaviors. Just for fun, Adam peppers in a few silly and funny questions to amuse young readers in this hilarious history book for kids.

Bold and expressive illustrations by Adam and Lisa Murphy bring historical events to life, literally! The humorous text in this kid's comic book makes learning history fun and entertaining. Whether you're a fan of these superb sovereigns or just love a good story, this history book will not fail to inspire you and make you laugh.

'Dig up' even more fun!

DK's Corpse Talk series is a hilarious series of graphic novels for kids that delves into the history of dead famous people in the format of questions and answers. Other books in this series include Corpse Talk: Groundbreaking Women and Corpse Talk: Groundbreaking Scientists.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Historical

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2018

About the author

Adam Murphy is an award-winning comics artist, writer and illustrator.

He brings history and folklore to life for readers of all ages through humour, extensive research and an ongoing curiosity about what makes people tick.

He is the co-creator (with wife and creative partner Lisa Murphy) of the comics series CorpseTalk, which originally appeared in The Phoenix, a weekly kids' comics magazine in the UK. CorpseTalk has since been collected and published as an ongoing series of books which have twice been nominated for the Blue Peter Book Awards (the first comic book ever to do so).

His other co-created comics series Lost Tales (also with Lisa) has also been nominated for a Blue Peter Book Award, and was the winner of the British Comics Awards Young People's category in 2016.

He holds a graduate degree in Computer Graphics from DePaul University, and a bachelors in Human Sciences from Oxford.

He lives and works in Glasgow, UK with his wife Lisa and their son.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corpse Talk: Queens and Kings and Other Royal Rotters
(Corpse Talk)
by Adam Murphy

I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. This is an awesome, informative, funny, and has extraordinary art work! So detailed is the art work in some pages and some are just funny! Middle grade kids and up will love this book! I loved it and learned a couple of things myself.

The book is presented as a talk show and a Royal person from the past is announced and the interview begins. During the interview we learn accomplishments and failures! Then there might be an extra page with more information about this time period or society.

One of those extra pages details how to embalm the Pharaoh's body after death. Another is the great terra cotta army. How to build a giant impenetrable wall! There was so much to see and learn! There were many more too!

The dozen or so "Rotters" are famous and from all parts of the world and from various time periods. It's a very clever way to teach history without teaching history! I can't emphasize enough how much information there is in here and how terrific the art is! This is something teachers should have in their classes!

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! There are several rulers who have short pieces featured in this book. The illustrations are fun and the stories are interesting. Even adults are sure to learn a few things!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun presentation of some often gruesome history. Beheadings abound as the featured rulers press for conquest and scrabble to maintain their rule while everyone around them engages in the intrigue around who will succeed the current king, queen, emperor, empress, or pharaoh.

This book consists of 18 short chapters -- about half of which are about English royalty -- and is packed with trivia, so I like to just dip into it here and there over the course of several weeks, sneaking in a chapter or two between the main books I'm reading.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents:
• Ramesses II: Pharaoh of Egypt, 1303 BCE - 1213 BCE
• Qin Shi Huang Di: Chinese Emperor, 259 BCE - 210 BCE
• Cleopatra: Pharaoh of Egypt, 64 BCE - 30 BCE
• Nero: Roman Emperor 37 - 68
• Justinian II: Byzantine Emperor, 669 - 711
• Alfred the Great: King of Wessix, 849 - 899
• Harold Godwinson: English King, 1022 - 1066
• Empress Matilda: English Queen, 1102 - 1167
• Saladin: Sultan of Egypt and Syria, 1137 - 1193
• Richard the Lionheart: English King, 1157 - 1199
• Moctezuma II: Aztec Emperor, 1466 - 1520
• Henry VIII: English King, 1491 - 1547
• Henry VIII's Wives: English Queens, 1480s - 1500s
• Charles II: British King, 1630 - 1685
• Marie Antionette: French Queen, 1755 - 1793
• Catherine the Great: Russian Empress, 1729 - 1796
• Shaka Zulu: Zulu King, 1787 - 1828
• Queen Victoria: British Queen, 1819 - 1901
• Glossary

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

History via comics? What's not to love? I've read 3 of this series now and they stay at a wonderfully high level of interest and humour. This one in particular deals with royalty so I had wondered if I would enjoy it less than the others as I'm less interested in the topic but it was utterly fascinating. These books impart a huge amount of information without ever becoming dull or making you feel overwhelmed. They are a very enjoyable read and I look forward to getting the next one!

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What clever fun! I had such a blast reading this Corpse Talk, and I'm sad I didn't know it was a series until I requested this one. The idea of having the author interview dead historical figures and have them using modern language makes these figures relatable to kids. The way he (either as the narrator or writing as the voice of another character) explains really complicated dynasties, battles, politics, etc. is easy to follow and developmentally appropriate for kids. I'm so excited for this book series, and I hope to see more of it! Also hope to get the opportunity to see them on NetGalley to request!

[Maddy Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corpse Talk: A new show for kids about dead people arrives this summer

Posted on May 27, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

I’m into the graphic novel idea. Instead of reading paragraph upon paragraph about a bunch of dead people, kids who read this DK children’s book can get an eyeful of information in addition to an earful. Publishers say that graphic novels are a great way to engage young people in the lifelong habit of reading. And I believe it, even if this book is about dead people.
Corpse Talk: Queens and Kings and Other Rotters by Adam Murphy is a creatively done interpretation of history intended to teach readers about earth-changing people who existed hundreds of years ago. I’ve never seen such a good-looking zombie before, and I am surprised to see that these corpses are very familiar with the interview process.
“Hello, everyone. Welcome to ‘Corpse Talk,’ the comic book talk show,” our gallant graphic book host, Adam Murphy, proclaims.
These pages present history in a way I would have enjoyed as a child and will likely be popular among a new generation of learners. I know I would have retained this information. Actually, as a 57-year-old grandma, I will retain this information.
Corpse Talk: Queens and Kings and Other Rotters covers world history’s most scandalous monarchs and leaders and includes Chinese emperors, pharaohs, kings, queens, sultans, and empresses.
And I love the idea that the author is interviewing each corpse about their lifetime, hitting the highlights and perhaps the lowlights, depending on how the reader feels about a particular subject.
My biggest issue with this book was that I couldn’t see the writing, but that is more about my glasses and computer screen than the author or the book. Corpse Talk is one of those titles I’d like to see my elementary school-aged grandkids approve.
Murphy covers 18 leaders in this book, and I suspect it will become a future school library staple. Corpse Talk: Queens and Kings and Other Rotters, a DK Children’s title, hits the streets on July 20, 2021.

BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some long-dead monarchs make better interview guests than others, as we find out in this latest DK book about historical rulers; included are some of their notorious stories, and many you may not have heard before.

Adam Murphy, the host of this comic book talk show, asks some hard-hitting questions to get the quality program you deserve. And on occasion, he resorts to a little placating, because most of these were ruthless and brutal people IRL, so try not to judge.

For instance, Nero was a terrible singer but forced his subjects to listen for hours under threat of death, and some men still tried to climb over walls to get away! I guess they couldn't avoid wincing for that long, because soldiers were circulating around the audience to collect people for execution. Many survived the concerts, but how they did it required amazing determination! Comments from Nero's murdered mother were funny, but understandably resentful. Something like "Nero...stiiiinks," but don't quote me! She had a killer temper too.

Remembering names and dates has always been difficult for me, but the illustrations in this graphic novel make facts, tidbits, and timelines memorable. From close-up shots to battles in the distance, every character you can see (with a magnifying glass) on the page helps tell the story. Props to the illustrators especially, for being able to draw teeny tiny horses in battle. Wow!

This book is the complete package; history made interesting and fun, and a glossary at the end. A gift for your boss, a co-worker, a middle-school kid or teen, a book club choice, a book for your end table!

5/5 Stars!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook!

#CorpseTalkQueensandKingsandotherRoyalRotters #NetGalley

[Simon Chadwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adam and Lisa Murphy are not resting on their laurels with regards their previous books because here’s another one. Once again it breathes life into the dusty cadaver of history by animating some fascinating figures of the past. This time it’s royalty, going as far back as Ramesses II and covering all sorts of monarchs right up to Queen Victoria.

And it’s not just European queens and kings that feature. You get to learn about Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di, the instigator of the terracotta army, and Saladin, who, as the book puts it, out-crusaded the crusaders. The brief few pages we get with each notable figure works so well because of the interview format, allowing aspects of the person’s life to be focused upon and details picked over, and of course it really gets fun when popular misconceptions are overturned.

I’d argue that pretty much any child of reading age is going to be captivated by these historical tales, but even more so I’d say if you’re an adult interested in history then you’ll lap this up. The strips combine the research and interesting facts with a funny and intelligent approach, so there’s pages and pages of new information to uncover and learn about.

Quite frankly a genius concept for a comic strip that’s still proving it’s worth to the full.

[Shaelene (aGirlWithBookss) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the quirky idea of this book, I think it’s something kids will love. The interview-style format is fun, lot of humor and puns, and we learn about a particular part of each monarch’s life. It entertaining as hell, however, I did notice some historical inaccuracies (particularly about Cleopatra’s ‘beauty’ & Marie Antionette’s famous - and historically untrue line about cake). I also felt like a lot of the sexist stereotypes and myths regarding some of the famous women monarchs were perpetuated. I felt like the author could’ve done a better job of debunking some of the long-standing myths that have been told about these royals and paint a more accurate picture.

I enjoyed the illustrations, interview banter, and the additional 2 pages of info regarding a certain event, or place that took place during the reign of the monarch.

3 stars. It’s wildly entertaining, and informative despite the few historical inaccuracies I did manage to pick out on the few people I had a decent amount of foreknowledge on.

*** ARC provided by DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an utterly fantastic way to enjoy learning about some of the most famous rulers throughout history. From Cleopatra to Saladin, Queen Victoria to King Harold Godwinson, Moctezuma to Nero, some of the best and some of the worst rulers of all time, they are all interviewed by Adam Murphy, the host of Corpse Talk, the Comic Book Talk Show.
Given in almost bite size pieces, you learn some fascinating tidbits, like how much stuff we depend on today we know about because of the medieval Islamic world, or the names for all the different pieces that make up the guillotine, or even the Queen Victoria is called the Grandmother of Europe because so many of her children and grandchildren were/are monarchs.
You take away so much information without realizing you’re reading a book about history. It’s fun, funny, and straight to the point. My 12 year old daughter loved it as well.
**I was given an ARC of this story and this is my hones and voluntary review.

[Librariann · Rating 3 out of 5]

File under: skimmed/read enough to do the recommendation dance. Some tweenish word choices ("suck" "badass") may make it something to steer younger kids and conservative readers (or their dour parents) away from. In tone it's like "How They Croaked" + Nathan Hales Hazardous Tales + Scholastic's Wicked History. Plus, all of the historical characters are literally drawn DEAD AND ROTTY.

Extra points for including lesser-known historical figures like Alfred the Great (who?) and not being entirely Euro-centric (Qin Shi Huang Di, Saladin, Moctezuma, Shaka Zulu) but it's still pretty heavy on Anglo/English/British representation (8/18, if you count Henry VIII's wives as one).

I feel like this has a lot of booktalk potential and would be an easy sell for kids.

High-interest collective biography that just whets the appetite/might make kids want to read more about the people profiled.

[Ashlyyisfunsize · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun children’s book. This book is formatted as a “host” tells the reader about various queens and kings through out history. It is basic and in some places a very simplified history but that is okay for a kids/J level book. The illustrations were fun and interesting enough for my daughter to want to read with me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely an adorable way to get the kids to read about history and learn about the different situations that have plagued us through out our history. I enjoyed reading this book with my granddaughter and we had lots of fun with it. I definitely recommend this book.

[Amber Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s very good. It’s a cute middle grade graphic novel. It would be a good read for an elementary or middle school kid. It would be a good graphic novel for them to read to learn about world history and their past rulers.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute! I really like how the author puts a good history lesson into a fun and age appropriate format. I’d actually read another one of these myself as an adult if I see another.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, silly overview of some monarchs from around the world.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Lmao this is a very funny book, can't believe ive never heard of it before! will be checking out the other ones too lol

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could use a chapter-by-chapter bibliography to direct kids if they are interested in a particular time or chapter.