The Curious History of the Heart: A Cultural and Scientific Journey

By Vincent M. Figueredo
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.This 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. 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.

The heart is often referred to as the emblem of love and vitality. From time immemorial, the human heart remains a symbol of life and has been interpreted in various ways by art, science, religion, and philosophy. This vital organ has been studied by scientists all around the world, but it remains elusive and mysterious in many ways.

“An Illustrated History of the Human Heart” by Vincent M. Figueredo is a captivating journey through time that explores the significance of the human heart in culture, art, religion, philosophy, science, and technology. Figueredo is a cardiologist with years of expertise in the field, and his experience and knowledge shine through in this comprehensive and well-written book.

Throughout the ages, people have revered the heart as the most important organ in the body. Ancient cultures believed that the heart was the seat of the soul, emotion, memory, and intellect, and saw it as the cornerstone of human existence. Later scientific discoveries reduced the heart’s role to a mere blood pump, but this did not diminish the heart’s importance in our cultural iconography.

In this book, Figueredo traces the long and fascinating history of the human heart from the dawn of civilization to the present. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and historical nuggets that will captivate readers. It also covers the recent advancements in heart therapies, the science of heart disease, and emerging fields like neurocardiology.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is how Figueredo intertwines the cultural, artistic, and scientific significance of the human heart. He seamlessly moves between different areas of knowledge, weaving them together into a coherent and fascinating narrative. The illustrations are also excellent, with beautiful images that complement the text perfectly.

Overall, “An Illustrated History of the Human Heart” is an exceptional book, one of those rare books that manage to be both informative and entertaining. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, science, culture, or the human condition.

Ordering this book will be a great decision for anyone interested in learning about the long and fascinating history of the human heart. It is ideal for anyone looking for a captivating read, a book that educates, inspires, and entertains. Learn about the heart, how it works, what it means, and what science is revealing about it. Get your copy today and embark on a journey that celebrates one of the most essential organs of the human body.

Product Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Columbia University Press (April 4, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231208189
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0231208185