The Curious History of the Heart

Vincent Figueredo helps us to understand the heart as a cultural symbol, biological miracle, and central theme in human history. A tour-de-force of scholarship and storytelling, The Curious History of the Heart is a great read and an important one. – Daniel Weiss, president and CEO, Metropolitan Museum of Art
What a wonderful reading experience. This book takes you on a fascinating historical journey of heart; from first being considered the vessel of our soul, to being a simple pump, to perhaps the heart is a bit of both. A must read to stimulate your brain and warm your heart. – Ted W. Love, president and CEO, Global Blood Therapeutics
As a cardiologist, I know the heart inside and out. However, I learned even more about this amazing organ by reading my colleague’s book. You will, also! – Thad F. Waites, chairman, Mississippi State Board of Health
For those compelled by the mysteries of the human heart, Vincent Figueredo has written the definitive guide and done so with diligence and panache, teaching us about the heart’s place in history, literature, music and science. Figueredo is a renowned cardiologist, but he’s an equally gifted storyteller. The Curious History of the Heart is a gem. – Tom Barbash, New York Times bestselling author of On Top of the World and The Dakota Winters
Provocative and broad in scope, this offers much food for thought. * Publishers Weekly *
The Curious History of the Heart tops the nonfiction list in Book Riot’s May 2023 round up of exciting titles. * Book Riot newsletter *
The title is accurate: understanding of the heart from early civilization to the present has indeed followed a “curious” path, and the book provides, through its short descriptions of events enabling the current understanding, a lighthearted tour of culture and science interactions through time. Recommended. * Choice Reviews, American Library Association (ALA) *
Overall, The Curious History of the Heart was an educational and entertaining read that blended history with science in ways that kept me engaged throughout the entire book. Highly recommended if you’re interested in history or medicine or both. * For the Novel Lovers blog *
This beautifully written, engaging book is full of fascinating information…Learning about the mechanics, the art, and the emotions of the heart will serve us all well — plus, it’s fun! * The Idea File blog *
A “20 Best Cultural History Book of All Time” selection * Book Authority *
​Illuminates the profound way in which the heart resonates through various facets of human life. Figueredo successfully weaves a tapestry that integrates the richness of the heart’s cultural legacy with the ever evolving body of scientific knowledge, revealing the multifaceted character of this essential organ.​ * Essens Book Summaries *

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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