The book investigates the often gruesome and unhygienic practices of medieval medicine. It delves into the methods used to treat ailments, from bloodletting and purging to the surprising roles of barbers and tooth-pullers. The text aims to illuminate the stark contrast between historical medical treatments and modern understanding, highlighting the challenges faced by both patients and practitioners in an era before germ theory.

This book is likely to appeal to young readers interested in history and the more unusual aspects of the past. The publisher's description suggests a focus on 'yucky' elements, indicating an approach designed to engage a younger audience with historical facts. The content appears to be presented in an accessible, perhaps even humorous, manner, making complex historical medical practices understandable. It serves as an introduction to the realities of pre-modern healthcare.