Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Walker & Company
Release Date: July 6th, 2010
Source: I received this ARC from the publisher.
Because I worked on the publicity for this book and managed Vicki’s blog tour, this is more a “talk” than a review. While I have mentioned books I’ve worked on in Mailbox Monday before, I’ve never reviewed or otherwise promoted a book I worked on, although InkWell does have many fabulous historical authors as clients. That being said, I think this book is a totally delightful read and its subject matter is absolutely perfect for discussion on this blog. Now that the boring disclosure part is out of the way, let’s get down to business…
In the cheekily titled How to Mellify A Corpse, Vicki León once again (her other credits include the wildly popular Uppity Women series and Working IX to V) takes readers on a journey through the whacky, bizarre, and downright odd practices employed by the early inhabitants of civilization, this time turning her historian’s eye to the area of ancient science and superstition. The word “mellify” refers to the process of mellification, an early technique for mummifying a corpse using honey. To me, it sounds like something straight off a modern spa menu - how’s that for a body wrap?! – but back before potent chemicals like formaldehyde existed, it was a very real method of embalming. Alexander the Great even specifically requested that his own corpse be preserved in this manner.
The book’s chapters are divided geographically by civilization: Athens & Attica, Greece & the Greek Islands, Asia Minor & the Middle East, Rome & Environs, Italy & Sicily, and Egypt, Carthage, & North Africa, so the reader has the option to jump around or read straight through. Topics discussed are as varied as the history behind belief in the evil eye to the invention of the first aqueduct. León states in her introduction, “Meteorite worship; bean taboos; bizarre beliefs about women and their powers over hydrocarbons; it’s all here.” A trait I love about all of León’s books is that she not only focuses on the most famous/infamous people from history, but also unveils the lives of interesting characters not typically mentioned in the history books. Come back tomorrow for a guest post by Vicki in which she highlights the life of Cleopatra and one of her lesser-known contemporaries, Queen Amanirenas of Meroe (a giveaway will also be included with this guest post).
How to Mellify A Corpse is no ordinary look at history; León brings a stylized humor and wit to her writing that makes Greco-Roman culture come alive in a way that is equal parts fascinating and fun. The pages are also illustrated with funny political cartoons and graphics with hilarious captions that compliment her writings perfectly and add that little extra je ne sais quoi. With the spirited panache that has become Leon’s trademark, this uppity woman proves learning about ancient science and religion can be a jocular, rollicking adventure.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for providing the link for this author's site in your July 4th post. It is wonderful. If history were taught this way, more kids would retain it. I learned some new things and enjoyed every minute of it. I will be looking for this book as well as some of her earlier works.
I have heard many good things about her books. I have to agree with Librarypat – it's all about the way things are presented to you how well you will remember it. Thanks Allie!
I'm so glad you liked it! I found the premise awesome, so I was hoping for a positive review. Thanks for the suggestion.
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