You Wouldn't Want to Meet a Body Snatcher!

by Fiona Macdonald, David Antram (Illustrator)

Describes the incidents of body snatching and murder in Edinburgh in the nineteenth century, where criminals would commonly sell corpses to the medical community for dissection.

Genres: History, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Daisy Arias]

Have you ever wonder how ancient civilization in Edinburgh, Scotland (1829) lived? This book has detailed illustrations with historical facts that are presented in a clever way for young readers. The book is designated for grades 6-8 and applicable as a leisure book or mini historical lesson. Fionna Macdonald, created this graphic noble with chapters to allow the readers to explore the ancient medicine, art, crime and included a glossary along with an index. Some strengths in this book are the creative scenes and pictures, and the glossary providing support for the readers. On the other hand, some readers might find it difficult to understand the notation of the currency mention and importance. Overall, I recommend this book to plant a seed of exploration to the young teens in 6-8 grade and to teach them the past of medicine.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

I love the "You Wouldn't Want to..." nonfiction picture book series. This gory and horrifying installment lives up to the standard set by the rest of the series: a candid and totally non-romanticized look into the past with comic style illustrations, jokes, and fascinating facts. These books make history fun and informative. This particular book looks at the darker side of advancements in Anatomy, Medicine, and Art and how they were made. Other favorites include You Wouldn’t Want to be an Aristocrat in the French Revolution and You Wouldn’t Want to be Captain Cook. These are great for third and fourth grade readers. – Alexis S.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learn about famed bodysnatchers Burke and Hare, famous anatomist Dr. Knox, the grisly, disgusting, underhanded ways medical research used to be done....Much of which is traced back to the famous medical school in Edinburgh, but the facts are often stomach churning, but the gross out factor and grimy underworld job of body snatching is a fascinating subject.
This would be a great way to Segway into the literary classic, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, even for teens.

[Paige Y. · Rating 2 out of 5]

not my favorite in this series

[Amanda M. Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this history series for kids! What a great way to introduce kids to the facts without being boring!

[Cairn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little scary.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good installment in the popular series.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book pairs nicely with You Wouldn't Want to Be Sick in the 16th Century. It is amazing how far we have come in terms of understanding the human body.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books