A review by paulsnelling
Under the Knife: A History of Surgery in 28 Remarkable Operations by Arnold van de Laar

5.0

A collection of stories, originally journal articles, combining accounts of historical figures’ surgical procedures along with erudite explanations of the techniques involved then and now. We learn of Lenin’s strokes, an astronaut’s placebo and a particular favourite, Louis XIV’s bottom and his revolting habits. My bath book for the past year, its a rare combination of wit and information brilliantly written by a dutch surgeon. Highly recommended.