The King’s Anatomist: The Journey of Andreas Vesalius
A revolutionary anatomist, a memory-laden journey, and a shocking discovery.
In 1565 Brussels, the reclusive mathematician Jan van den Bossche receives
shattering news that his lifelong friend, the renowned and controversial
anatomist Andreas Vesalius, has died on the Greek island of Zante returning
from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jan decides to journey to his friend’s
grave to offer his last goodbye.
Jan’s sentimental and arduous journey to Greece with his assistant Marcus is
marked by shared memories, recalled letters, and inner dialogues with Andreas,
all devices to shed light on Andreas’ development as a scientist, physician,
and anatomist. But the journey also gradually uncovers a dark side of Andreas
even as Jan yearns for the widow of Vesalius, Anne.
When Jan and Marcus finally arrive on Zante, the story takes a major twist as a
disturbing mystery unfolds. Jan and Marcus are forced to take a drastic and
risky measure that leads to a shocking discovery. On his return home, Jan
learns that Andreas was an unknowing pawn in a standoff between King Philip of
Spain, his employer, and Venice. When he arrives home in Brussels, he must
finally reckon with his feelings for Anne.
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