Benjamin A. Rifkin

Don't read this book around other people! This is one of those books where, if others are with you, you will repeatedly feel compelled to share a weird fact or a bizarre illustration with sufficient frequency that all your companions will desert you!

The production quality of the images is extraordinary, particularly given the very reasonable price. The text is relatively sparse but devotes significant attention to emphasizing the dynamic interplay between anatomists, illustrators, printers, show more and changes in both printing and visualization technology.

The title, however, is misleading. Most of the book is focused on the period prior to 1900, and the twentieth century and the "digital age" only get a few pages. That said, there is a lot packed into the earlier part of the book and plenty of food for thought. show less

Not for the squeamish. Brilliant illustrated history of how surgeons and artists have tried to depict anatomy since the renaissance. Fascinating stuff, and lots of pictures.