Germs in the English Workplace, c.1880-1945

This book explores how the workplace was transformed through a greater awareness of germs from 1880 to 1945, highlighting the ways in which germ scientists sought to eradicate and instrumentalize them. It reconstructs vernacular traditions of working with invisible life to understand the successes and failures of the germ sciences in shaping working practices and material conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound transformation of the workplace in England from c.1880 to 1945, driven by a heightened awareness of the roles that germs played in everyday working lives. Spanning a wide range of occupational settings, including domestic kitchens, milking sheds, factories, and Post Offices, it offers fresh insights into the history of germ sciences. Through detailed examinations of the efforts of germ scientists to eradicate and instrumentalize germs, the book sheds light on their innovative technical and educational interventions aimed at improving English working conditions. It further explores how workers responded to the potential applications of the germ sciences by engaging in various organizations such as friendly societies, trade unions, colleges, and volunteer groups.

Throughout the book, meticulous attention is paid to reconstructing vernacular traditions of working with invisible life, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of both the successes and failures of the germ sciences in reshaping the working practices and material conditions of different workplaces. The result is a more comprehensive and diverse history of the people, politics, and practices that contributed to the development of germ sciences in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century England. This insightful work not only enriches our knowledge of the past but also provides valuable lessons for contemporary society as we navigate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the study of germs and their impact on our lives and environments.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367698478