I received an ARC of, Spare Parts, by Paul Craddock. All you wanted to know about transplants is in this book. Its a bit graphic and gruesome, but interesting.

A comprehensive review of the early history of transplants. I had had a vague understanding of the earliest transplants, and this book gave an enjoyable, educational, overview. The language is easy for the reader to understand, and it is a good blend of history and science. I was expecting more on the topic of modern transplants, but the description of the first transplants is so thorough that it is not too much of an omission. This book also addresses issues of identity related to our organs and explores important ethical considerations. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in anatomy, history, or science.

This was a fascinating read. You don't have to have a medical background to enjoy this book. The history and progression is intriguing. Believe it or not some of the book will make you laugh. I have always enjoyed books on medicine and this one fit the bill. Some of the descriptions are graphic in nature and will certainly make you glad you weren't born then. It's really a good read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book to read and review.

Spare Parts by Paul Craddock is most thorough history of transplant medicine. The author has given the reader so much documentation in a well conceived history format. He has supplied wonderful anecdotes that brings the reader into the time period represented. This also makes the book an easily readable history of the subject.
Amazing that people survived some of these surgeries and grateful for the technological advances in this science of transplantation.

I love reading about medical related themes. The first half of Spare Parts is history heavy and interesting. I was both repelled and fascinated by the section on noses. Prior to reading the book I had no idea that this gruesome practice of nose removal occurred during sword/knife fights. Skin grafts, blood transfusions, teeth transplants make up the first half along with a brief history of medical education. Oh, the resistance by doctors to evidence based care throughout history!
The second half of the book begins with the early twentieth century and was more relatable. I would have liked it if more attention was paid to the problems of organ rejection and where we are today in this field. The author lightly touches on the ethics of selling a body part, and organ trafficking. Again, I wish there was more about these topics.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin"s Press for providing me with a copy to read and review.

Spare Parts
By Paul Craddock

This book chronicles the history of transplants – both what we think of as "transplants" such as heart, kidney, or lung – and also much earlier experimentation with skin grafts, blood transfusions, and tooth transplants. The earliest known examples date back to early Egypt and Greece and gradually through most societies, including England and France as well as other European countries.

Mr. Craddock's presentation of the various procedures developed and the prevailing beliefs about the nature of the human body, while graphic and sometimes horrific, makes for interesting reading and leads the reader to understand how man, through trial and error, has developed the techniques we use today in order to save lives.

While some of the ideas and experiments he describes can now to seen to be rather farfetched, Mr. Craddock has provided the reader with a lot of information to show how modern medicine has evolved.

Thank you for the free ARC of this book. This was funny, at times ridiculous, but very informative. The author presented the facts about the history of medicine and surgery in a very entertaining way.

interesting review of medical procedure history. ******************************************************************************

This was a very interesting read. Through the telling of the history of transplantation, it also provides a more general overview of medical history and views on the nature of health and illness through time and across cultures. This history is full of fascinating, and often flawed, figures making some questionable, and some inspired leaps in observation and creativity.

Understanding this history makes it possible to appreciate just how remarkable a technological achievement it is to be able to prolong life through organ and tissue transplantation.

The writing is accessible to readers without a strong background in biology or natural science, without feeling like it's "dumbed down." Overall, the tone is lively and conversational. Recommended for those interested in the topic

A fascinating history of medicine through the lens of transplants. Craddock does a stellar job of balancing the history with the science; throughout, I felt like I could understand enough of the medicine side of things without it getting bogged down in technicalities that the course of history really shone through. Highly recommend!