illustrations of an eye, an ear, a nose, and a tongue, in circles down the lefthand side of the cover

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 Kathy Petras Author and Ross Petras Author

In this quirky history of the human body over the ages, authors Kathy and Ross Petras explore the bizarre ways that various body parts have wound up in the stories we tell about the past. From Charles II of Spain's jaw and the consequences of incest, to what we can learn about the Crusades from Anne Boleyn's heart, this volume takes a look at history through a highly unusual lens, and comes up with a whole host of humorous and fascinating insights. History buffs will get a kick out of the innovative approach to the subject, and those who otherwise might find a history book dull will laugh and keep turning the pages as they discover facts and anecdotes about the past by examining the significance of a pierced tongue.