Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes (Oxford Portraits in Science) [Hardcover]

Louise E. Robbins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195122275 | ISBN-13: 978-0195122275 | Publication Date: November 29, 2001

Chronicling Louis Pasteur's rise from humble beginnings to international fame, Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes investigates the complex life of a man who revolutionized our understanding of disease. Alongside Pasteur's pioneering work with microorganisms, his innovative use of heat to kill harmful organisms in food--a process now known as "pasteurization"--and his development of the rabies vaccine, Louise Robbins places Pasteur in the context of his risky scientific methods and his rigid family and political beliefs. Robbins's reveals a man of genius with sometimes troubling convictions. Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes is a fascinating look at one of the most important scientific minds of the last two centuries.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-This fast-paced book provides an honest and unflinching view of one of microbiology's best-known scientists, from his childhood in France as a tanner's son to his death 73 years later. The inviting format is easy to read and includes many well-captioned, black-and-white photographs; full-page sidebars provide extra information on topics related to Pasteur's work. The text also includes numerous reminiscences and quotes from the scientist, his family, and his colleagues. However, while the quotes are revealing, sources are not cited. Robbins acknowledges that while Pasteur had many successes, he also took many more risks than he admitted in his experimental work on humans. His successes were as much a result of his aggressive self-promotion and his vigilant defenses against his critics, as from his work in the laboratory. The chronology will be especially helpful for reports. This is a valuable research tool for any library.

Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-12. Robbins, who has a doctorate in the history of science, writes intelligently about Pasteur's life and work. She also takes a critical look at the extraordinary public acclaim that microbe pioneer Pasteur achieved during his lifetime and how his reputation has changed over the years. Discussed in terms of his personal and professional failings as well as his successes, Pasteur emerges as a less heroic but more believable figure. The book examines his experiments on the role of microbes in fermentation, silkworm diseases, and rabies, as well as the changes in medicine and public perception of disease that resulted from his work. Black-and-white reproductions of photographs, prints, paintings, documents, and artifacts appear throughout the book. A solid addition to the Oxford Portraits in Science series. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195122275
• ISBN-13: 978-0195122275
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #595,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.