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Bill Schutt
Author and Zoologist
Bill Schutt is a scientist with a knack for making complex and bizarre topics accessible and entertaining. With unexpected wit and a wealth of knowledge, Schutt separates fact from fiction to reveal the true science and history behind an array of fascinating but often misunderstood topics. These topics range from vampirism and cannibalism in the animal kingdom to the workings of the heart—human and otherwise.
Schutt is a master at demystifying the gross and sensationalized—from the use of leeches in medicinal blood-letting to the widespread occurrence of cannibalism in the animal kingdom. From the feeding-habits of vampire bats to the possibility that cannibalism led to the extinction of the Neanderthals, Schutt compiles the latest cutting-edge science on a long list of subjects that both enthrall and repel us.
Emeritus Professor of Biology at LIU Post, Schutt is a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History. His research on bats (especially vampire bats) has taken him around the globe. His latest book, Pump: A Natural History of the Heart is a journey into the heartbeat of life on Earth from the origins of circulation to the enormous hearts of blue whales. From long-held myths and misconceptions, to cutting edge research efforts to custom-build human hearts for transplantation, Pump is filled with fascinating stories about this life-affirming organ.
Bill Schutt’s research has been featured in Natural History magazine as well as the New York Times, Newsday, the Economist, and Discover magazine. He is the author of six books, including Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History which was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and an Amazon “best book of the year.” He has given informative and entertaining talks at universities, libraries, garden clubs, conventions, and natural history and science museums all over world.
Speaking Topics
- The Natural History of Cannibalism
- The Natural History of the Heart and Circulatory System
- Bats: Facts and Fiction
- Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures
- Bats Entertainment: A Kid’s Guide to Nature’s Night Flying Mammals
- Vampires Are Real: A Kid’s Guide to Blood and Blood-Feeding Creatures
Subjects
Meet Bill Schutt
Travels from
Long Island, NY
Quotes
Fascinating… surprising entertainment combining deep learning with dad jokes… [Schutt] is a natural teacher with an easy way with metaphor.
- The Wall Street Journal
A show-stopping exploration of cardiac biology… informative, playful and impossible to put down.
- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Bill Schutt’s Cannibalism offers a surprisingly fun and absorbing look at a rather unsavory subject.
- New York Times Book Review
Bill’s talks are always entertaining, educational, and very well received. His style is one of infectious enthusiasm for his topic, and he uses humor and an array of often striking visuals that make his presentations even more interesting. In summary, he is an excellent public speaker.
- Dr. Nancy B. Simmons, American Museum of Natural History
