Rest in Pieces: The Curious Fates of Famous Corpses
by Bess Lovejoy [306.9 Lov]
Fascinating
and humorous little volume that looks at the physical afterlife of
several noteworthy human beings' bodies. If you thought that people
could suffer indignations while they were alive -- wait until you've
read about what happens to the earthly remains of some of these
historical celebrities! Ranging from ancient religious figures (like the
Saint Nicholas who inspired the Santa Claus mythology), Thomas Beckett,
Voltaire, Moliere and Ludwig Van Beethoven, to such recent figures as
Hunter S. Thompson, Timothy Leary, Gram Parsons and Osama Bin Laden, the
fates of these folks bodies can be truly crazy. Lovejoy's book covers
people in the following categories: Saints and Sinners, Science and
Medicine, Sports, Literature and Entetainment, Unsolved Mysteries,
Politicians, Collectible Corpses (truly bizarre!), Love and Devotion,
and bizarre Last Wishes. Did you know that Einstein's brain was stolen?
Did you know Johnny Depp paid to a have a special cannon built to shoot
gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson's ashes into the sky? Learn the
truth about what really happened to baseball great Ted Williams' head.
Find out which parts of Rasputin are buried in which locations. And
discover the ultimate fate of the remains of both Adolf Hitler and
Benito Mussolini. Both engrossing and gross reading at the same time,
but filled with curious historical factoids. To be read when you're in a
quirky mood! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [ see Scott's Reviewer Profile ]
[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Dead Beat by Marilyn Johnson, and Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach.]
[ official Rest in Pieces and Bess Lovejoy web site ]
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