Chris Barnard: The Second Life - Edited by Chris Brewer

Professor Christiaan Barnard made what is widely regarded biggest breakthrough of the century in medicine when he transplanted the first human heart.

His first book, One Life, covered the story from his child-hood to the death of the first heart transplant patient.

The Second Life picks up the story from that moment and draws on the controversial character of Barnard himself.

The book weaves its way from research laboratories, through operating theatres, television studios, palaces, mansions, famous beds and marriages to younger women.

With absolute candour he relates how doors, closed to most, suddenly opened for him and how, in his naivety, he rushed through each one - consumed and intoxicated by his own second life.

He talks of his friendships with Peter Sellers, Gina Lollobrigida, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, filmstars, dictators, businessmen, politicians, sheiks, shahs and charlatans.

He weeps tears of joy when a little girl, sent home to die, is brought to him instead and lives. He weeps tears of grief when a little boy dies in his arms. And he weeps tears of pain and anguish as his hands become increasingly crippled by arthritis and can no longer do what his brain commands them to do- to heal.

Condition: Good