Cover of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Popular science · Medicine and the body

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

4.0 out of 5, from 491 ratings from Hardcover readers

Mary Roach explores what happens to human bodies after death, from medical dissection and crash tests to composting and forensic study, with dry humor.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
2003
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
303
Format
Part of Mary Roach's Curiosities

Read this if you are curious about death and science and enjoy witty, respectful nonfiction.

Skip this if you are squeamish about bodies or the detail of how they are used.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death
  • Gore

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Cannibalism
  • Animal death
  • Body horror
  • Violence
  • Beheading
  • Injury/Injury detail
  • Suicide
  • Blood

Quick answers about Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

What is Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers about?
Mary Roach explores what happens to human bodies after death, from medical dissection and crash tests to composting and forensic study, with dry humor.
Who should read Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers?
Read it if you are curious about death and science and enjoy witty, respectful nonfiction. Skip it if you are squeamish about bodies or the detail of how they are used.
How long and how fast is Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 303 pages, first published in 2003.
Does Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death, Gore.
Can I borrow Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers; the borrow button above searches it for you.

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