Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything

by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen

Book Overview

What won't we try in our quest for perfect health, beauty, and the fountain of youth?

Well, just imagine a time when doctors prescribed morphine for crying infants. When liquefied gold was touted as immortality in a glass. And when strychnine--yes, that strychnine, the one used in rat poison--was dosed like Viagra.

Looking back with fascination, horror, and not a little dash of dark, knowing humor, Quackery recounts the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761189815
• ISBN13: 9780761189817
• Release Date: October 2017
• Publisher: Workman Publishing
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Funny and Informative

The book is incredibly entertaining and liberally sprinkled with photos and drawings (some truly nightmare inspiring). This is one of those science books you can read and not even realize how much information you’re learning. Want to find out which cutting edge medical treatment contributed to the deaths of Byron, Mozart, and George Washington? Which animal’s testicles you should wear around your neck to prevent pregnancy? Or why corn flakes are part of an anti-masturbation diet? Look no further! Any one who likes a good dose of humor with their nonfiction will enjoy this book. If you like Mary Roach‘s writing, Unmentionable by Therese Oneill, or any other books in that vein, this book was meant for you. An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.