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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Absolutely fascinating non-fiction. The writing style and use of anecdotes or case studies make it a really easy, engaging read. I'm sure there's so much more about this topic they could've covered, but what they do cover is done really well. Its brevity also makes it accessible and interesting to the layperson.
The preface clearly says that this is "a" history of surgery, not "the" history of surgery because the history of surgery is far more extensive than the scope of this short book released as a companion to a BBC miniseries. If you read this book, you will not learn a lot about the history surgery, but you will be entertained by a number of specific surgeons, surgeries, and patients selected by the author to illustrate certain trends or concepts. This book is very light reading. It was moderately entertaining, but it is not entertaining enough for a book that's only purpose is entertainment, not education.
The stories are interesting but fail to tell a cohesive history. He picks out individual events and tells them with great detail, but doesn't really show to development or true evolution that was occurring in between and in parallel with this finite events. Overall entertaining, but it left me with more questions than answers, which wasn't really what I had been hoping for.
informative
fast-paced
informative
medium-paced
One can safely assume that picking up this book will require a strong stomach (pictures included - lookout for the dog with two heads, and the gentleman who required nose reconstruction.) If you can look past the required gore, then you will find a detailed, dramatic and tastefully humorous exploration of modern surgery.
The authors are quick to point out that this is merely "a" history of surgery and only four major themes are covered. Nonetheless one feels that history has been well covered, and satisfied at the insight offered into a controversial profession.
Despite the high gag factor, the topic is covered with humanity and empathy for all involved (even some of the more creepy experimenters) which I believe is the real strength of the book.
The authors are quick to point out that this is merely "a" history of surgery and only four major themes are covered. Nonetheless one feels that history has been well covered, and satisfied at the insight offered into a controversial profession.
Despite the high gag factor, the topic is covered with humanity and empathy for all involved (even some of the more creepy experimenters) which I believe is the real strength of the book.
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content
informative
medium-paced