Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers―some willingly, some unwittingly―have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way.
In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries―from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.
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Popular science writing often bypasses the unusual, tactile, and unconventional corners of biological research, but detailed investigative reporting into human anatomy and physical phenomena brings these forgotten subjects into sharp focus. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers demonstrated how rigorous science journalism could blend meticulous research with accessible, humorous prose to explain complex medical and scientific topics. Mary Roach built a wide readership by exploring taboo, overlooked, or seemingly bizarre topics ranging from postmortem scientific contributions to space medicine, digestive anatomy, and wildlife law enforcement.
Born in Hanover, New Hampshire, on March 20, 1959, Roach graduated with a degree in psychology from Wesleyan University before relocating to San Francisco. Her professional writing career began in 1986 when she sold a humor piece regarding the IRS to the San Francisco Chronicle. This publication opened doors to freelance feature writing and first-person humor essays for major periodicals, including National Geographic, Wired, Vogue, GQ, The New York Times Magazine, and the Journal of Clinical Anatomy. She also authored a monthly humor column, "My Planet," for Reader's Digest. Although she writes primarily about science, she initially had no intention of turning it into her career; in an interview, she noted that science assignments consistently yielded the most intriguing stories. Between 1996 and 2005, she worked as part of the San Francisco writing community known as the Grotto, which provided the encouragement needed to transition into book-length non-fiction. Her engaging commentary has also made her a frequent guest on television and radio programs, including Coast to Coast AM, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report.
Roach's approach to science writing is defined by firsthand reporting, deep archival research, and an irreverent, curiosity-driven humor that demystifies offbeat and taboo scientific topics. Rather than focusing on abstract theoretical frameworks, her work explores human physiology, bodily functions, and the practical challenges faced by researchers and technicians. Her narrative style relies heavily on immersion—visiting specialized laboratories, interviewing field experts, and investigating unconventional scientific questions with persistent enthusiasm. Across her titles, which have been translated into 21 languages, she translates complex medical, anatomical, and physical concepts into clear, engaging prose while highlighting the human element behind scientific discovery.
Mary Roach's Curiosities
