AUC Releases the Authorized Biography of Sir Magdi Yacoub, "A Surgeon And A Maverick"

The American University in Cairo Press (AUC Press) announces the release of the captivating and thought-provoking book, "A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub." In this first authorized biography of heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, veteran journalists Simon Pearson and Fiona Gorman follow his remarkable life, from his formative years in Egypt, through spectacular success at Cairo University, to his long and distinguished career in Britain, leading up to his knighthood in 1992, and his 2014 awarding of the highest honor in the gift of the Queen, the Order of Merit. 

 

A visionary and trailblazer, Yacoub revolutionized the treatment of children’s congenital heart disease forty years ago through innovation, dedication, and a fearless approach to challenges. In 1983, he performed the UK's first combined heart and lung transplant at Harefield Hospital. Among his patients are men and women who are still thriving more than thirty-five years after he gave them new hope. 

 

The book includes captivating, vivid storytelling, rich anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes accounts that bring to life the challenges and triumphs faced by this living legend. Authors, Pearson and Gorman, commented on the writing process, saying, “We ended up spending a lot of time with Prof,” as Yacoub is often called. “We also conducted forty-odd additional interviews with patients, colleagues, key members of his team, friends, and families he’d helped. It was such a privilege to hear these stories and to have the opportunity to learn firsthand the impact Yacoub has had on people’s lives and on their children’s lives.” 

 

"We are incredibly proud to publish A Surgeon and a Maverick, said Veerle De Laet, AUC Press executive director. “This book is a testament to the power of human determination and the profound impact one individual can have on society.” “Magdi Yacoub’s extraordinary life story is one that richly deserves to be told,” added Nadia Naqib, director of acquisitions, who supervised the book project. “It gives fascinating insight into the world of scientific research and is a source of inspiration and hope for readers of all backgrounds."

 

Yacoub's story is one of perseverance and determination, and such successes were not straightforward. As an outsider who succeeded against the odds, he at times clashed with the medical establishment in London, and his techniques pushed the boundaries of discourse in medical ethics.

 

A Surgeon and a Maverick is now available for purchase in Egypt through AUC Bookstores and soon in other local bookstores. For more information about the book: visit aucpress.com

 

The American University in Cairo Press (AUC Press) is the leading academic publisher of English-language books in the Middle East. With a rich history spanning more than 60 years, AUC Press is committed to publishing high-quality works that explore the diverse cultures, histories, and ideas of the region. AUC Press publishes around 50 new titles annually and has a backlist of more than 800 titles that are sold and distributed globally.