As Rutkow writes, the emergence of surgery from its barbaric past rested on four pillars — the understanding of anatomy, the control of bleeding, anesthesia and antisepsis. The story, however, is not one of steady, rational progress.

Ira Rutkow’s Empire of the Scalpel: The History of Surgery romps through the field’s development from rude 'sawbones' trade to meticulous professional discipline. Rutkow has a raconteur’s touch, and he is especially good on the rugged, difficult, obstinate characters that propelled the field’s advance during a heroic age of medicine.

Rutkow’s history links surgical advances to concurrent social and scientific developments.

Rutkow, who has written multiple books about surgery, offers both useful historical context and deserved recognition to the key figures.

Rutkow does a good job of discussing the cultural issues surrounding surgery: war, for example.