2002
First Published
3.33
Average Rating
128
Number of Pages
This is very readable and illustrated account of the history of bodysnatching in Scotland-the stealing of corpses for anatomical dissection. This gruesome practice was widespread throughout much of Scotland in the 19th century, and local people sometimes took extreme measures to protect their dead. There is also a detailed account of one of the most notorious cases of bodysnatching-the Edinburgh serial killers William Burke and William Hare of the late 1820s. They would dig up graves of the recently departed during the night and then sell the bodies to one of Edinburgh's medical schools for cash. Eventually they decided that digging up the bodies was too much trouble and began to murder people. After the murder of their 16th victim they were caught and tried. Hare was given immunity for his confession that sent Burke to the gallows.
Avg Rating
3.33
Number of Ratings
12
5 STARS
0%
4 STARS
50%
3 STARS
33%
2 STARS
17%
1 STARS
0%
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