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A History of the World Through Body Parts: The Stories Behind the Organs, Appendages, Digits, and the Like Attached to (or Detached from) Famous Bodies
A grab bag of historic spleens, chins, and more, this is your ultimate literary dissection of body parts throughout history!
From famous craniums to prominent breasts, ancient spleens and bound feet, this book will bring history to life in a whole new way. With their inimitable wit and probing intelligence, authors Kathy and Ross Petras look at the role the human body has played throughout history as each individual part becomes a jumping-off point for a wider look at the times. In far-ranging, quirky-yet-interrelated stories, learn about Charles II of Spain's jaw and the repercussions of inbreeding, what Anne Boleyn's heart says about the Crusades and the trend of dispersed burials, and what can be learned about Lady Xoc's pierced tongue. A History of the World Through Body Parts is packed with fascinating little-known historical facts and anecdotes that will entertain, enlighten, and delight even the most well-read history buff.
BESTSELLING AUTHORS: Kathy and Ross Petras have authored the New York Times bestseller You're Saying It Wrong and the hit calendar The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said, now in its 24th year with over 4.8 million copies sold!
ENGAGING CONTENT: Packed with rich material told with a lively and humorous voice, take a trip through history in this unique, exciting way.
QUIRKY HISTORY FANS REJOICE!: For fans of The Disappearing Spoon, Wicked Plants, The Violinist's Thumb, The Sawbones Book and Strange Histories!
Perfect for:
• History buffs and pop history fans
• Father's Day, birthday, and holiday shoppers
From famous craniums to prominent breasts, ancient spleens and bound feet, this book will bring history to life in a whole new way. With their inimitable wit and probing intelligence, authors Kathy and Ross Petras look at the role the human body has played throughout history as each individual part becomes a jumping-off point for a wider look at the times. In far-ranging, quirky-yet-interrelated stories, learn about Charles II of Spain's jaw and the repercussions of inbreeding, what Anne Boleyn's heart says about the Crusades and the trend of dispersed burials, and what can be learned about Lady Xoc's pierced tongue. A History of the World Through Body Parts is packed with fascinating little-known historical facts and anecdotes that will entertain, enlighten, and delight even the most well-read history buff.
BESTSELLING AUTHORS: Kathy and Ross Petras have authored the New York Times bestseller You're Saying It Wrong and the hit calendar The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said, now in its 24th year with over 4.8 million copies sold!
ENGAGING CONTENT: Packed with rich material told with a lively and humorous voice, take a trip through history in this unique, exciting way.
QUIRKY HISTORY FANS REJOICE!: For fans of The Disappearing Spoon, Wicked Plants, The Violinist's Thumb, The Sawbones Book and Strange Histories!
Perfect for:
• History buffs and pop history fans
• Father's Day, birthday, and holiday shoppers
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2022
57 people are currently reading
2791 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 12, 2022
I don't normally gush over books, but A History of the World Through Body Parts was a real joy to read! I was entranced, amused, and along the way I learned a lot of history and some science, too.
What would you expect from authors who say they got their inspiration from Cleopatra’s nose? Nothing strictly conventional, to be sure, and that is just what Kathy and Ross Petras deliver in twenty-seven chapters proceeding chronologically from tracings of hands on cave walls during the paleolithic period to astronaut Alan Shephard’s bladder in the space age. Each chapter focuses on a specific moment in history and a specific body part that played a role in that history, such as Qui Jin’s feet, Lenin’s skin, and Tamerlane’s leg. The chapters present interesting historical context and, in many cases, science and history of science (or lack thereof). In the wrong hands, this could have been a very pedantic book, but it was presented in such a light tone that I was highly amused and, of course, had to interrupt frequently to share tidbits, both funny and enlightening, with my long-suffering spouse. For example, French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat spent a significant amount of time in a bathtub because of a serious skin condition and was assassinated there, which made him a martyr to his cause. Marat apparently was a thorn in the side of even his allies, and the authors comment, “A dead Marat was much more of a help to them than a live one; he was a lot quieter, for one thing.” And I certainly was impressed by the fact that scientists were able to use DNA techniques on dental pulp from bodies discovered in 1995 to identify the plague that killed one third of Athens in 430 BCE (It was typhoid.)
One of the many things I especially enjoyed about the book was the international scale. Sure, it talked about George Washington but also about Chinese feminist revolutionary Qui Jin, whom I had never heard of . I learned a lot, even while I was laughing (or in some cases frowning or bemoaning).
I do have to provide one criticism that would have cost the book a full star or more if it had not been otherwise so good. The chapters are well organized, but the Petras often had some interesting slightly-off-the-main-stream factoid to add, and they did this in sidebars, much as many magazines do. These are inserted almost at random (to me reading an electronic edition), often in the middle of a sentence. It is distracting and extremely annoying. I imagine this technique would not be quite as disruptive in a hardcopy book, but for an ebook it is not really acceptable.
How severe, though, was my disappointment at the organization of the factoid inserts? Well, I discovered that the Petra team wrote another book in 2016. It is already on my kindle! I again expect to be entertained and informed.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss.
What would you expect from authors who say they got their inspiration from Cleopatra’s nose? Nothing strictly conventional, to be sure, and that is just what Kathy and Ross Petras deliver in twenty-seven chapters proceeding chronologically from tracings of hands on cave walls during the paleolithic period to astronaut Alan Shephard’s bladder in the space age. Each chapter focuses on a specific moment in history and a specific body part that played a role in that history, such as Qui Jin’s feet, Lenin’s skin, and Tamerlane’s leg. The chapters present interesting historical context and, in many cases, science and history of science (or lack thereof). In the wrong hands, this could have been a very pedantic book, but it was presented in such a light tone that I was highly amused and, of course, had to interrupt frequently to share tidbits, both funny and enlightening, with my long-suffering spouse. For example, French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat spent a significant amount of time in a bathtub because of a serious skin condition and was assassinated there, which made him a martyr to his cause. Marat apparently was a thorn in the side of even his allies, and the authors comment, “A dead Marat was much more of a help to them than a live one; he was a lot quieter, for one thing.” And I certainly was impressed by the fact that scientists were able to use DNA techniques on dental pulp from bodies discovered in 1995 to identify the plague that killed one third of Athens in 430 BCE (It was typhoid.)
One of the many things I especially enjoyed about the book was the international scale. Sure, it talked about George Washington but also about Chinese feminist revolutionary Qui Jin, whom I had never heard of . I learned a lot, even while I was laughing (or in some cases frowning or bemoaning).
I do have to provide one criticism that would have cost the book a full star or more if it had not been otherwise so good. The chapters are well organized, but the Petras often had some interesting slightly-off-the-main-stream factoid to add, and they did this in sidebars, much as many magazines do. These are inserted almost at random (to me reading an electronic edition), often in the middle of a sentence. It is distracting and extremely annoying. I imagine this technique would not be quite as disruptive in a hardcopy book, but for an ebook it is not really acceptable.
How severe, though, was my disappointment at the organization of the factoid inserts? Well, I discovered that the Petra team wrote another book in 2016. It is already on my kindle! I again expect to be entertained and informed.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss.
April 11, 2023
Fun book! It’s mainly a collection of fun facts and little stories. While it was interesting, I expected to learn more. It’s more history focused and I think I just wanted a little more biology focus.
Beautiful cover though!
Beautiful cover though!
January 12, 2022
This book is fascinating! Although I may never use that word again now that I know its origin. The book includes 27 relatively brief, chronological snippets of history, each having to do with a different body part of a historical figure. The conversational and somewhat acerbic writing style made it easy and fun to read, and I learned a lot about history that I wasn't familiar with. I wish there had been images included to visualize what was being discussed. The content is not really appropriate for younger audiences (high school or earlier) given some of the topics and the graphic descriptions. The fact that it's broken up into bite-size pieces made it easy to pick up and put down during brief free moments. Highly recommend to those with an interest in history and looking for intriguing stories to share with others. I need to check out more from this sibling writing team.
I was provided a free advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a free advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
My new favourite coffee table book
April 25, 2024
Very interesting way to learn history. I liked the witty writing style
October 29, 2023
This had great potential but in the end felt more like a collection of Wikipedia articles than an actual book.
And some of the body parts included were a definite stretch and didn’t really feel like they belonged. I’m looking at you, Lenin’s skin. 🙄
And some of the body parts included were a definite stretch and didn’t really feel like they belonged. I’m looking at you, Lenin’s skin. 🙄
April 4, 2022
Some well-selected, interesting stories here! Some I'd heard of before, but in more detail here (I hadn't heard about the Typhoid Mary gallbladder idea!), so even old familiar ones had new insights. An interesting melange of time periods and cultures, truly fascinating to see how body parts act as symbols and catalysts and so many diverse functions other than their biological purposes. The writing is very casual and informal, but compelling. Often morbid and grotesque, sometimes a bit too lurid, but sometimes inspiring or thought-provoking. The references are well laid-out and seem appropriate.
December 8, 2022
If you're looking for a quirky quick read about famous body parts and history this is the book for you!
It's an easy read, that exams historical figures' body parts and their historical impact. A different perspective on history, that I never took into consideration.
It's an easy read, that exams historical figures' body parts and their historical impact. A different perspective on history, that I never took into consideration.
December 29, 2022
Very fun!!
March 25, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Chronicle Books for a copy of this new medical based history of the world.
Learning can be fun, but many people feel that fun is just not learning, that history is a series of facts dates and this person did this and this person did that and here is why. I have heard many things about Martin Luther, but not that he probably came up with many of his ideas for his theses in the bathroom due to stomach problems. Or that the jaw of Charles II jutted out so much from inbreeding that it might have helped end the Hapsburg line in Spain. The book A History of the World Through Body Parts: The Stories Behind the Organs, Appendages, Digits, and the Like Attached to (or Detached from) Famous Bodies by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras teaches alot about history in a interesting new way.
The book is broken down into roughly 27 chapters each focusing on a human body part and chronologically progresses through history starting from our earliest ancestors using their hand in art to the modern day. The chapters are not long, dealing with a famous person or an event with a body part, and a subsection detailing more of a historical perspective to the chapter. Readers learn about the importance of not only health, but appearances and belief behind certain rituals involving the body and hot that affected the history of the world, and also that small segment that people lived in.
The chapters follow a theme, and are all well written and easy to read and follow. Humor is tough and to make something not only entertaining and enlightening is difficult but the Petras have not problem with this at all. No cheap jokes, which would have been easy, but writing that makes the reader think quite abit about events, while smiling and flipping pages.
Recommended for people who like their history a little different, or with that Uncle John books were a little longer, and consistent in their humor. A great gift for Father's Day, but also a great gift for people who like both medical and world history and never thought of the two subjects together.
Learning can be fun, but many people feel that fun is just not learning, that history is a series of facts dates and this person did this and this person did that and here is why. I have heard many things about Martin Luther, but not that he probably came up with many of his ideas for his theses in the bathroom due to stomach problems. Or that the jaw of Charles II jutted out so much from inbreeding that it might have helped end the Hapsburg line in Spain. The book A History of the World Through Body Parts: The Stories Behind the Organs, Appendages, Digits, and the Like Attached to (or Detached from) Famous Bodies by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras teaches alot about history in a interesting new way.
The book is broken down into roughly 27 chapters each focusing on a human body part and chronologically progresses through history starting from our earliest ancestors using their hand in art to the modern day. The chapters are not long, dealing with a famous person or an event with a body part, and a subsection detailing more of a historical perspective to the chapter. Readers learn about the importance of not only health, but appearances and belief behind certain rituals involving the body and hot that affected the history of the world, and also that small segment that people lived in.
The chapters follow a theme, and are all well written and easy to read and follow. Humor is tough and to make something not only entertaining and enlightening is difficult but the Petras have not problem with this at all. No cheap jokes, which would have been easy, but writing that makes the reader think quite abit about events, while smiling and flipping pages.
Recommended for people who like their history a little different, or with that Uncle John books were a little longer, and consistent in their humor. A great gift for Father's Day, but also a great gift for people who like both medical and world history and never thought of the two subjects together.
January 3, 2022
Spinning off from Pascal's ideas about how Cleopatras' nose-size was just the draw to influence Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, if not others, and thus shape the world as they knew it, this looks at what isolating individual body parts can teach us about the body's owner, and their life and times. And from the very first pages it's obvious we're in charming company from our authors, and due a superlative volume, one where some attempt at rationing the contents should be the logical way to go, were it at all possible.
We start in the ancient times of cave art, and the first people to portray their hands' outlines and prints – important hows and whys concern our appreciation of these early human artists. Egypt is here, with not only Cleopatra's nose, which seems an ever-unanswerable question now, but also a predecessor of hers as Pharaoh donning the fake beard and looking all butch to keep her status high. Therefore yes, some of these snippets of world history may be well known to us, but to have a book like this looking at so many is always welcome.
And it's always entertaining. You do have to like box-outs, and flipping through each chapter to cover the non-sequential pages in each one, and some readers may take against the design style used, but this was a joyous, suitably flippant yet thoroughly serious guide. Relic traders and thieves get as much shrift as the (unnamed) Erich von Daniken in the following chapter. Richard III's hunchback is right next to Timur or Tamerlane's duff leg, and both are educational and as far as I know accurate. Harriet Tubman's story gets a new dimension previously unknown to me. By the end we're leaving this world, but have covered so much of it, all through such an incongruous-seeming approach. For those thinking this on the trivial side, memorable is much closer a descriptor – four and a half stars.
We start in the ancient times of cave art, and the first people to portray their hands' outlines and prints – important hows and whys concern our appreciation of these early human artists. Egypt is here, with not only Cleopatra's nose, which seems an ever-unanswerable question now, but also a predecessor of hers as Pharaoh donning the fake beard and looking all butch to keep her status high. Therefore yes, some of these snippets of world history may be well known to us, but to have a book like this looking at so many is always welcome.
And it's always entertaining. You do have to like box-outs, and flipping through each chapter to cover the non-sequential pages in each one, and some readers may take against the design style used, but this was a joyous, suitably flippant yet thoroughly serious guide. Relic traders and thieves get as much shrift as the (unnamed) Erich von Daniken in the following chapter. Richard III's hunchback is right next to Timur or Tamerlane's duff leg, and both are educational and as far as I know accurate. Harriet Tubman's story gets a new dimension previously unknown to me. By the end we're leaving this world, but have covered so much of it, all through such an incongruous-seeming approach. For those thinking this on the trivial side, memorable is much closer a descriptor – four and a half stars.
June 5, 2022
A History of the World Through Body Parts: The Stories Behind the Organs, Appendages, Digits, and the Like Attached to (or Detached from) Famous Bodies (whew, what a mouthful!) is exactly what the title says. It is a brief look at the history of humanity and the certain body parts that played important parts in key moments.
From the stone age to the space age, the Petras trace the rise and fall of history and the accompanying body parts that played a role. There are twenty-seven chapters and each chapter focuses on a certain body part – such as Qui Jin’s feet, Anne Boleyn’s heart, or Charles II of Spain’s jaw. Each piece tells a story of the times and tells us not only what was popular at the time but also how the times were changing.
While each chapter is fairly short, there is also a good deal of information given. For me, this made the book enjoyable to read. The information is given in a way that is easy to take in, not relying on overly scientific terms that might push a more casual reader away.
A History of the World Through Body Parts is an entertaining as well as educational read. Some of these stories I already knew but there were just as many I did not know the whole truth behind. I definitely recommend it for any of my readers who are looking not only a fairly quick read but one that will help them learn something too.
August 11, 2022
"By focusing on body parts, we've tried to make history truly human in ways one might not expect and make people from the past come alive."
A History of the World Through Body Parts tells the stories of 27 body parts and how they influenced history. These include some bits you may know about - George Washington's fake teeth, Einstein's brain - as well as ones that may be less well known - Queen Hatshepsut's beard, Thi Trinh's breasts. The authors use these stories to also take a broader look at the time period in which they existed. The chapters are fairly short and many include sidebars. For example, the first chapter looks at paleolithic Pyrenean woman's hands (the cave art made using hands as stencils) and includes a sidebar looking at how we know the age of cave art like this.
I think non-fiction with unrelated chapters like this can be a refreshing break from other books, knowing that I can read a chapter and return whenever to continue without having to think "wait, what was going on before?" It reminded me of Sam Kean's The Disappearing Spoon which tells a story centered on each of the elements. This book also included a table of contents depicted as a labeled anatomical diagram which is a fun way to present the subjects! I would recommend this for folks who enjoy historical or medical non-fiction.
Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the eARC. A History of the World Through Body Parts will be published August 30th.
April 22, 2022
I received an advance copy of this through netgalley! There were no pictures, although seemingly places for pictures? Which did have me wonder if this copy was merely missing them.
Overall I found the style of the book to be quite captivating. It’s easy to get lost in a book and be unable to stop reading when each story is just a few pages long. “Just one more”, repeat x 10. The author doesn’t shy away from grim stories—in a book about body parts, it would be hard to. From the unethical source of Washington’s teeth to the brutal childhood of Tubman there’s certainly nothing off limits. Repeatedly the theme: one’s body, and all it’s possible flaws or abnormalities, make one into who they are, for better or worse. History would certainly be very different if the featured people lacked the highlighted traits.
One thing I found unappealing were the full-page blue asides. Each was tangentially related to the current story, but interjected even mid-sentence, making it somewhat distracting. Additionally, the book really didn’t have an overarching narrative to bring it all together, leaving the individual stories feeling disconnected. I feel like there was a missed opportunity to tie it together — just like an actual body is more than just individual parts, so too could this book, and the history of body parts, have been. Between this and the interjecting asides, 4/5.
Overall I found the style of the book to be quite captivating. It’s easy to get lost in a book and be unable to stop reading when each story is just a few pages long. “Just one more”, repeat x 10. The author doesn’t shy away from grim stories—in a book about body parts, it would be hard to. From the unethical source of Washington’s teeth to the brutal childhood of Tubman there’s certainly nothing off limits. Repeatedly the theme: one’s body, and all it’s possible flaws or abnormalities, make one into who they are, for better or worse. History would certainly be very different if the featured people lacked the highlighted traits.
One thing I found unappealing were the full-page blue asides. Each was tangentially related to the current story, but interjected even mid-sentence, making it somewhat distracting. Additionally, the book really didn’t have an overarching narrative to bring it all together, leaving the individual stories feeling disconnected. I feel like there was a missed opportunity to tie it together — just like an actual body is more than just individual parts, so too could this book, and the history of body parts, have been. Between this and the interjecting asides, 4/5.
Read
January 20, 2022Kathryn Petra and brother Ross Petra may be well known for their “word nerd” books, but that is about to change. Their newest offering presents a chronological arrangement of famous people from around the world, and the influence specific parts of their body had on their fame. Whether it be the sphere of religion, politics, government, medicine, art, or writing, the historical influence of one's nose, jaw, and spine are represented along with the penis, breast, and bladder. Cleopatra's nose was beautiful to Julius Caesar, the Hapsburg nose was the harbinger of the demise of the Hapsburgs in Spain, and the bladder was/is a concern for both knights in armor and astronauts. Like now, writers and artists used their talents to improve the appearance or public image of the powers that be, and thus gain favor. The tone of the book is conversational, the contents are informative, the table of contents clearly states the subject of the chapter, and the resources are arranged by chapter. Great choice for those who appreciate a bit of anatomy with their history, and I highly recommend to all who are looking for a new slant on world history. Thank you to Chronicle Books and netgalley for the opportunity to read this selection.
August 30, 2022
A History of the World Through Body Parts by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras is a fun and informative romp through history, using famous body parts as a guide.
This is an almost ideal blend of entertaining and informative. Enough is given about each person/body part to understand the historical significance but is told in a conversational voice that keeps even the most history-averse reader engaged. If any of the stories make you want to know more there are references in the back for each chapter.
I think they had to make a choice (or a compromise) between being just an annotated list of items or go into the kind of detail that, while interesting, would have made the book unwieldy. They managed to find that happy middle ground where they offer enough information, both historical and scientific background, while still keeping each chapter brief and accessible to those more interested in the larger story than the smallest detail.
Highly recommended for readers who like the "history through stuff" types of books as well as those who simply like the parts of history that don't always make it into history books.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is an almost ideal blend of entertaining and informative. Enough is given about each person/body part to understand the historical significance but is told in a conversational voice that keeps even the most history-averse reader engaged. If any of the stories make you want to know more there are references in the back for each chapter.
I think they had to make a choice (or a compromise) between being just an annotated list of items or go into the kind of detail that, while interesting, would have made the book unwieldy. They managed to find that happy middle ground where they offer enough information, both historical and scientific background, while still keeping each chapter brief and accessible to those more interested in the larger story than the smallest detail.
Highly recommended for readers who like the "history through stuff" types of books as well as those who simply like the parts of history that don't always make it into history books.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 26, 2022
This book is a fascinating exploration of history through a lens that both adults and older youth will find relatable and fascinating: the human body. The field of heritage interpretation teaches that a key to conveying ideas to audiences is to help them make connections between tangible objects and intangible concepts, and this book does that well. Each chapter focuses on a different part of the body - typically belonging to a famous historical figure - and uses it as a window into exploring a specific set of historical and cultural experiences.
While this is a non-fiction history book, this is less a reference text and more of an introduction to a range of topics which that will serve to encourage curious readers to seek more resources to learn more about the people and places which make up its subjects. This will be a great addition to any library collection which seeks to stimulate interest about history among its patrons; I believe the attention-grabbing title and informative, entertaining and approachable writing style will lead to high engagement and circulation.
While this is a non-fiction history book, this is less a reference text and more of an introduction to a range of topics which that will serve to encourage curious readers to seek more resources to learn more about the people and places which make up its subjects. This will be a great addition to any library collection which seeks to stimulate interest about history among its patrons; I believe the attention-grabbing title and informative, entertaining and approachable writing style will lead to high engagement and circulation.
August 3, 2025
This was an easy and entertaining read and I was able to get through it in just a few days. It is very reminiscent of horrible histories, but admittedly I am a little confused about the target demographic. While the writing style and also the layout and aesthetic of this book appears to be somewhat geared towards maybe pre teens or adolescents (I could absolutely imagine myself reading this at 12) it also delves into some relatively adult topics and seems to require some pre knowledge of important historical events and subjects that tends to be more common with adults. I would have also liked more science, but that’s personal preference and less so about the book itself. Ultimately though, a fun little read and interesting perspectives on different aspects of history!
April 13, 2022
This book was exciting, informative, and just so much fun to read!
Starting with the title, the concept just pulls you in, leaving you excited to learn exactly what each body part was famous for, and precisely 𝘸𝘩𝘰 it was attached to! I have heard about ideas such as dark tourism before, specifically with people visiting Galileo’s middle finger in museums, and it growing to be a symbol. It was so exciting to learn about more interesting stories like that, in the immersive format that the authors crafted.
Thanks so much to Kathy and Ross Petras, as well as NetGalley for the chance to read the ARC!
Starting with the title, the concept just pulls you in, leaving you excited to learn exactly what each body part was famous for, and precisely 𝘸𝘩𝘰 it was attached to! I have heard about ideas such as dark tourism before, specifically with people visiting Galileo’s middle finger in museums, and it growing to be a symbol. It was so exciting to learn about more interesting stories like that, in the immersive format that the authors crafted.
Thanks so much to Kathy and Ross Petras, as well as NetGalley for the chance to read the ARC!
September 1, 2022
Very quick and exciting read. It was interesting and simple to understand...not stuffy and long worded, and boring like most books of its character. I always enjoy learning something new and I loved the short chapters!
There are 27 chapters but as I said they are all fairly short. It has a cool numbered image (corresponding to the chapter that body part is discussed in) of the human body in the contents. So if you wanted to learn more about a certain body part it was totally possible but once you dive in and read some of these historical and fun facts you will want to read the entire book from cover to cover!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for my honest review.
There are 27 chapters but as I said they are all fairly short. It has a cool numbered image (corresponding to the chapter that body part is discussed in) of the human body in the contents. So if you wanted to learn more about a certain body part it was totally possible but once you dive in and read some of these historical and fun facts you will want to read the entire book from cover to cover!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for my honest review.
May 11, 2022
From hand Prince in a cave, Cleopatra‘s big nose Wilhelms little arm and even a few private parts. I thought The stories were entertaining and even informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wish it would’ve been longer. It was 200+ pages but went by so fast anyone who loves history is going to love this book. I certainly did and highly recommend it. I was given this book by net Gally and the publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please forgive any grammar or punctuation errors I’m blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
November 4, 2022
A History of the World Through Body Parts
was a great read.
It was fascinating, funny, kind of gross, and eye-opening; hitting all the high points I look for in a book, fiction or non-fiction.
I was intrigued, I learned a lot, I enjoyed the authors' conversational style and humor, which was never snarky or rude.
The authors' highlighted body parts of historical figures, most of whom I've heard of, but some I did not, and I appreciate being enlightened.
I hope my library has the authors' previous books in stock because I'm definitely going to check it out.
It was fascinating, funny, kind of gross, and eye-opening; hitting all the high points I look for in a book, fiction or non-fiction.
I was intrigued, I learned a lot, I enjoyed the authors' conversational style and humor, which was never snarky or rude.
The authors' highlighted body parts of historical figures, most of whom I've heard of, but some I did not, and I appreciate being enlightened.
I hope my library has the authors' previous books in stock because I'm definitely going to check it out.
December 13, 2022
SUPER fun and informative book about our bodies and things that can happen to them. I really find that teaching ANYTHING is easier when it's relatable, fun, and even gross or quirky! My brain, in particular, typically will retain facts and information when I can pair it with an intriguing fact or story....ESPECIALLY when it's odd, gross, bloody, random, crazy and out of this world.
Such a cool book and I think it'd be a great coffee table read or addition to a teacher's room - it may entice students to see their world and learning through a new lens.
Such a cool book and I think it'd be a great coffee table read or addition to a teacher's room - it may entice students to see their world and learning through a new lens.
December 31, 2022
This was an easier read than I thought it would be. I tend to pick up non-fiction and then discover I have to slog through it. Some chapters were tied very closely to the body part; others more loosely. What really bothered me is that I expected more primary sources and journals -- there were a lot of websites and popular magazines in the resources. Also, why do writers/publishers think that inserts, side stories, or whatever you call them, are cool to put in the middle of paragraphs??? So annoying.
July 23, 2023
A History of the World Through Body Parts by Kathryn and Ross Petras is a superb example of a book that does what it says on the cover. Starting in the Paleolithic era with cave paintings and hand stencils, the book discusses various events through body parts. We learn about the pharaohs of Egypt and how they all had beards, whether they were men or not.
We learn about Cleopatra's nose, Richard III's supposed hunchback, George Washington's teeth, Albert Einstein's brain, and more.
The book was fascinating. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
We learn about Cleopatra's nose, Richard III's supposed hunchback, George Washington's teeth, Albert Einstein's brain, and more.
The book was fascinating. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
September 17, 2022
One word describes A History of the World Through Body Parts--AWESOME!
This journey through history is not for the faint of heart but is a perfect journey for someone (of any age) who has the gnarly, gritty, show me the mummy's dried skin interest in life. Filled with well-researched snippets and images (not enough, in my opinion), this is a must-have for inquiring minds.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books, for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
This journey through history is not for the faint of heart but is a perfect journey for someone (of any age) who has the gnarly, gritty, show me the mummy's dried skin interest in life. Filled with well-researched snippets and images (not enough, in my opinion), this is a must-have for inquiring minds.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books, for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
February 16, 2022
I thought this would be a more detailed look at the body parts and history so I was slightly disappointed at how simple and short the chapters were. Still, that doesn't mean I didn't end up enjoying the book and it does make for an easy read. The text was very conversational and it made me go "oh, I never thought of that" (especially the last chapter)
March 5, 2022
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I learned lots about important people and events in history, things I’d never heard of in 20 years of life and 15 of schooling. The formatting is also really beautiful, I’m sure this makes a lovely hardback. My only complaint is that some references (selfies, COVID being referenced in the current, Snapchat, etc) may age the book poorly.
April 17, 2022
This was such a fun bit of quirky history. I'm torn between loving how it was such a quick read and wishing there was more. I certainly went on a quest to deep dive into some of the stories. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes history and would like a great survey of world history that can give you lots of ideas for further reading.
February 20, 2023
If you like obscure history, this is the book for you. The book ranges from earliest times to the near present, telling about various people and how their specific body part may have affected history. From Cleopatra's nose to Alan Shepard's bladder, the stories are varied and interesting. I did find a few historical errors but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. Highly recommend.
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