The Man Who Touched His Own Heart

True Tales of Science, Surgery, and Mystery

De: Rob Dunn

Narrado por: Robert Fass

The secret history of our most vital organ - the human heart

The Man Who Touched His Own Heart tells the raucous, gory, mesmerizing story of the heart, from the first "explorers" who dug up cadavers and plumbed their hearts' chambers, through the first heart surgeries - which had to be completed in three minutes before death arrived - to heart transplants and the latest medical efforts to prolong our hearts' lives, almost defying nature in the process.

Thought of as the seat of our soul, then as a mysteriously animated object, the heart is still more a mystery than it is understood. Why do most animals only get one billion beats? (And how did modern humans get to over two billion - effectively letting us live out two lives?) Why are sufferers of gingivitis more likely to have heart attacks? Why do we often undergo expensive procedures when cheaper ones are just as effective? What do Da Vinci, Mary Shelley, and contemporary Egyptian archaeologists have in common? And what does it really feel like to touch your own heart, or to have someone else's beating inside your chest?

Rob Dunn's fascinating history of our hearts brings us deep inside the science, history, and stories of the four chambers we depend on most.

©2015 Rob Dunn (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"With an interested and inquisitive tone, narrator Robert Fass walks listeners through evolutionary biologist Rob Dunn's history of the science of the human heart.... Fass has a pleasant voice and varies his delivery in ways that make the extensive information clear and engaging." ( AudioFile)

Great!

Some parts were a bit too technical. But the other parts (where I had previous knowledge about how the heart) was really interesting. The history of how modern procedures came to be was interesting as well. Overall I enjoyed it. :)

Excellent, very entertaining and educational.

Would you listen to The Man Who Touched His Own Heart again? Why?

Yes. Go back to it to remember some of the mentioned stories and individuals.

What did you like best about this story?

Exceptional writing

Which character – as performed by Robert Fass – was your favorite?

Galen and his interview.

fantastic !!!

great read. all the science behind the heart research is very well compiled and told as a fascinating story. highly recommend not only to scientists but also those who like to read sciency and interesting books.

Starts Strong Ends Tedious

The first 2/3rds of the book is fun and fascinating. The last third is clearly the author's field of expertise. It is somewhat more tedious and less easily digested in an audiobook format. Fascinating stuff but difficult to digest while listening.

Overall, definitely worth listening even if just for the history of Cardiology and Cardiac surgery.

Great book and good narration too.

What made the experience of listening to The Man Who Touched His Own Heart the most enjoyable?

The stories about the doctors/scientists so dedicated to their field and so passionate about their work makes this book most enjoyable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Man Who Touched His Own Heart?

Dr. Werner Forssmann- when he put the catheter in himself. Also Dr. Helen Taussig and her bird dissections,Argentinian surgeon Dr. Favaloro and his dedication. Most memorable.

Have you listened to any of Robert Fass’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the only one I have listened to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Extremely happy- I am a scientist myself who shares the same passion.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book, a must read/listen.

entertaining history

fascinating review and perspective on the field of cardiology. .. I'm tempted to pick up a print copy as well. engaging production .

Great history of heart medicine

Great story and very well presented. well worth reading for every one . . .