Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz
Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz is a New York Times bestselling nonfiction writer and poet. She is the author of six books of poetry as well as the nonfiction book, Dr. Mütter’s Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine, which made 7 National “Best Books of 2014” lists (including Amazon, The Onion’s AV Club, NPR’s Science Fridays and the UK newspaper The Guardian, among others) and Words In Your Face: A Guided Tour Through Twenty Years of the New York City Poetry Slam. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she now lives in Austin, Texas.

Latest articles by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

The Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer by Gérôme

Could You Stomach the Horrors of 'Halftime' in Ancient Rome?

By Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz last updated

Sure, complain about the music, but modern halftime shows are nothing compared to the horrors witnessed in ancient Rome.

Romans
Mutter Museum, anesthesia, surgery, Thomas Dent Mütter, Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

The Macabre Dr. Mutter's Freaky Medical Marvels

By Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz published

In the early 1800s, when your goiter is larger than your head, you had to visit Dr. Mütter.

Human Behavior
Dr. Mutters Marvels book cover

'Dr. Mütter's Marvels' (US 2014): Book Excerpt

By Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz published

In the early 18th century, people with severe disfigurations had to hide from the public — until surgical pioneers like Thomas Dent Mütter emerged.

Human Behavior
Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, Dr. Mutters, surgery hazards

Surgery in a Time Before Anesthesia (Op-Ed)

By Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz published

Surgery without anesthetic is a nightmare, and yet for most of human experience, it that was the only option.

Human Behavior