Book cover of The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat: The Story of the Penicillin Miracle

Book description

The author of Life and Death on 10 West chronicles the fascinating true story of the Oxford scientists who discovered penicillin by experimenting on mold, creating a family of drugs that would eradicate some of the worst diseases in human history. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The discovery of penicillin is one of humanity’s greatest stories of serendipity and Eric Lax’s retelling is excellent.

Though Alexander Fleming has received the lion’s share of the credit for this discovery, in truth, Howard Florey, Ernst Chain, and Norman Heatley were the ones who discovered and proved the penicillium mold’s true medical effectiveness as an antibiotic.

How this trio from Oxford made their breakthrough at the height of WWII and were robbed of the credit is a fabulous tale as spellbinding as any Hollywood movie.

From Andrew's list on the history of medicine.

If you love The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 14 books like The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat.

Browse books like The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat

Book cover of The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
Book cover of The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister's Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine
Book cover of The Discovery of Insulin

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!