What's a Germ, Joseph Lister?

This engrossing, timely, and highly illustrated biography of the father of modern surgery, Joseph Lister, reveals the shocking practices of surgeons before his groundbreaking discoveries. Born in 1841, Lister was a quiet, curious boy who stuttered when nervous but committed to becoming a surgeon—a profession then more feared than respected. Through study, persistence, and careful research, Lister proved that unsanitary conditions contribute to infections, transforming the way all surgeons work and saving countless lives. Lori Alexander’s biography, enriched with fun—and sometimes gory—facts about the history of science and engaging illustrations by Daniel Duncan, celebrates Lister's achievements and impact on modern medicine.