Bizarre and captivating images, including close-up details and revealing cross-sections, make all too clear the fascinations of both doctors and artists of the time.

The Sick Rose marks a visual journey through 19th century medical illustration. Advances in industrialization, urbanization, and understanding of hygiene led to a surge of epidemics such as cholera and diphtheria. Pre-color-photography, illustrative images were essential for teaching and diagnosis. The book features stunning works of art that aimed to explain the body's complexities and the progression of illnesses. From intricate details to cross-sections, The Sick Rose captures the captivating allure of doctors and artists during the period. Barnett demonstrates the apprehensions and fascinations of a society struggling with sickness, even as advances in vaccination and germ theory brought hope. Examples like John Snow's cholera map and Florence Nightingale's histograms are included. The book is arranged by disease, from unknown ailments to widespread epidemics, providing readers with a stunning collection of art, science, and history.