Death by Blundering Bodies

This is a wonderful book for readers who appreciate the curious side of history. Part of the Bearport Publishing Disastrous Deaths series, readers will learn the strange but true stories of how 6 unlucky historical figures met their deaths in the most unusual of circumstances.

Recommended for readers with an interest in ironic medical history, an appreciation for trivia, and a healthy amount of irreverence. Back matter includes a glossary, index, timeline of deaths, and suggestions for further reading.

This is a wonderful book for readers who appreciate the curious side of history. Part of the Bearport Publishing Disastrous Deaths series, readers will learn the strange but true stories of how 6 unlucky historical figures met their deaths in the most unusual of circumstances. Recommended for readers with an interest in ironic medical history, an appreciation for trivia, and a healthy amount of irreverence. Back matter includes a glossary, index, timeline of deaths, and suggestions for further reading.

Those interested in the gruesome and morbid will find plenty to explore in this series. The table of contents is listed on a tombstone, and a collection of “weird” phrases about death like, “kicked the bucket” begins each book. Within the pages are incredible stories of those who have died by a tortoise falling on their head, tripping on their own beard, or equally odd events. Background on each figure and details about their era in history are included. Those details create an image of the world each character knew–whether Thames muckrakers or Greek theatergoers. Photos of locations, paintings, or statues of the deceased are included where possible. A glossary defining unusual words and a booklist for further reading are in the back matter. VERDICT: Perfect for fans of Georgia Bragg’s How They Croaked; sections could also be used to introduce particular time periods in social studies classes.

Those interested in the gruesome and morbid will find plenty to explore in this series. The table of contents is listed on a tombstone, and a collection of “weird” phrases about death like, “kicked the bucket” begins each book. Within the pages are incredible stories of those who have died by a tortoise falling on their head, tripping on their own beard, or equally odd events. Background on each figure and details about their era in history are included. Those details create an image of the world that each character knew—whether Thames muckrakers or Greek theatergoers. Photos of locations, paintings, or statues of the deceased are included where possible. A glossary defining unusual words and a booklist for further reading are in the back matter.

VERDICT Perfect for fans of Georgia Bragg’s How They Croaked; sections could also be used to introduce particular time ­periods in social studies classes.