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The Curious History of the Heart
A Cultural and Scientific Journey
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See moreThis book traces the evolution of our understanding of the heart from the dawn of civilization to the present. Vincent M. Figueredo—an accomplished cardiologist and expert on the history of the human heart—explores the role and significance of the heart in art, culture, religion, philosophy, and science across time and place.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
For much of recorded history, people considered the heart to be the most important organ in the body. In cultures around the world, the heart—not the brain—was believed to be the location of intelligence, memory, emotion, and the soul. Over time, views on the purpose of the heart have transformed as people sought to understand the life forces it contains. Modern medicine and science dismissed what was once the king of the organs as a mere blood pump subservient to the brain, yet the heart remains a potent symbol of love and health and an important part of our cultural iconography.
The Curious History of the Heart traces the evolution of our understanding of the heart from the dawn of civilisation to the present. Vincent M. Figueredo—an accomplished cardiologist and expert on the history of the human heart—explores the role and significance of the heart in art, culture, religion, philosophy, and science across time and place. He examines how the heart really works, its many meanings in our emotional and daily lives, and what cutting-edge science is teaching us about this remarkable organ. Figueredo considers the science of heart disease, recent advancements in heart therapies, and what the future may hold. He highlights the emerging field of neurocardiology, which has found evidence of a "heart-brain connection" in mental and physical health, suggesting that ancient views hold more truth than moderns suspect.
Ranging widely and deeply throughout human history, this book sheds new light on why the heart remains so central to our sense of self.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Vincent M. Figueredo's The Curious History of the Heart has been praised for its captivating blend of history and science, exploring the heart as both a cultural icon and a biological marvel. Reviewers commend its engaging storytelling and scholarly insight, highlighting its appeal to both history and medicine enthusiasts. The book is celebrated for its ability to entertain while providing a detailed examination of the heart's role in human life, making it a must-read for those interested in the subject.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780231208185
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 04 April 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Illustration: 45 figures
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 312
About the Author
Vincent M. Figueredo has been a practicing cardiologist and physician-scientist for thirty years. His experience spans academic medicine, medical research, teaching, private practice, and senior hospital administration, including as chair of cardiology and professor of medicine. Figueredo’s research interests include how the heart responds to injury, alcohol, and stress.
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The Curious History of the Heart
The Curious History of the Heart by Vincent M. Figueredo is a Gold Award Winner of the 2024 Nonfiction Book Awards. It was also a runner-up in the 2024 History category at the San Francisco Book Festival and in the 2024 General Non-Fiction category at the New York Book Festival. For much of recorded history, people considered the heart to...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks
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