Mere Mortals: Diseases of the famous - diagnosing historical maladies from the present day by Jim Leavsey

The diseases of historical personages hold a fascination even for those without any interest in medicine. We cannot resist speculating on the possible effects of the loss of crucial battles, the demise of dynasties, or the fall of nations. This delicious speculation is well served by Dr Jim Leavesley’s book, which wears its scholarship lightly while solving the medical mysteries of a melange of ‘famous cases’—from pharaohs, mediaeval saints and kings, to artists, popular military heroes and even through to 20th-century politicians.

The diseases of historical personages hold a fascination even for those without any interest in medicine. We cannot resist speculating on the possible effects of the loss of crucial battles, the demise of dynasties, or the fall of nations. This delicious speculation is well served by Dr Jim Leavesley’s book, which wears its scholarship lightly while solving the medical mysteries of a melange of ‘famous cases’—from pharaohs, mediaeval saints and kings, to artists, popular military heroes and even through to 20th-century politicians.