Stiff
Books | Language Arts & Disciplines / Journalism
3.9
(1.1K)
Mary Roach
Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers—some willingly, some unwittingly—have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way.In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries—from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.
AD
Buy now:
More Details:
Author
Mary Roach
Pages
303
Publisher
W.W. Norton
Published Date
2003
ISBN
0393050939 9780393050936
Ratings
Google: 4.5
Community ReviewsSee all
"It was interesting to find out what cadavers are used for when donated to science. "
Sandy Lopez
"I’ve never laughed and learned more than reading Stiff by Mary Roach. She is a master with the written word, seemingly blending information and innuendo in what I can only describe as “what I thought my 3AM deep-dive on Wikipedia looked like.”"
J S
Jeremy Sheffield
"When I was younger I would never give up on a book, I would persevere thinking if this author went to this much toil & trouble, the least I could do was see it through to the end. I have no such compulsion in my later years, perhaps I’m worried about the length of time I have left on this earth, who knows, this book was a victim of the new order! "
Stella
"So disgusting and really useful information if you’re thinking of donating your organs or your body to science. Should be a necessary read before writing your will. "
B S
Bonnie Smart
"Absolutely fascinating look into the death processes after one passes. The soul leaves, but the body? Whew! So interesting to learn about past post death practices as well as more current practices, including the possibilities your body could encounter if you donated it to science after your death. So intriguing; I have read so many times! There is beauty and knowledge (scientific advancements) found in death, and this book showcases a lot of that. "
Sessalie Hunter
"An industry we don't talk about but is fascinating. The audiobook is great, too. "
Andy Ayala-Geagan