Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This book is a compilation of medical abnormalities in the Victorian era. It illustrates conditions from the minor - an extra digit, to the extreme - parasitic conjoined twins (an example of which was born in South America recently; the separation was successful but the baby died due to complications).
Oddly, Joseph (John) Merrick - the Elephant Man, who died in 1890, is not mentioned in the book. However, the Tocci conjoined twins, born in Italy in 1877, are.
It is interesting to note that these conditions still exist today, although most are detected before birth and terminated.
This is a fascinating book, heavily illustrated with photographs and contemporary line drawings, lovingly researched by the author. I have had my copy for over 25 years and have read it over a dozen times.
If you have an interest in the medical side of these abnormalities or if you have the morbid interest of the Victorian public to these poor and, sadly, often exploited human beings or if, hopefully, your interest is one of compassion and understanding, then I urge you to read this extraordinary book.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Victorian Grotesque: An illustrated excursion into medical curiosities, freaks, and abnormalities, principally of the Victorian age
