A Theory in Vienna

by Heidi Gallacher

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Pub Date 28 Oct 2025 | Archive Date 10 Nov 2025

The Book Guild

General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction

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Description

‘I bring to light a truth, which was unknown for many centuries with direful results for the human race.’ – Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis.

Imagine you’d discovered something. Something that could save hundreds of thousands of lives. But they wouldn’t let you tell anyone. Wouldn’t it drive you mad?

Young Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis uncovers the real reason thousands of young women are dying after childbirth. Yet, in mid-19th century Europe, his simple methods are ridiculed. Semmelweis faces the battle of his life to convince others that the cause is simple…

Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, A Theory in Vienna brings the remarkable story of this man to life.

‘I bring to light a truth, which was unknown for many centuries with direful results for the human race.’ – Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis.

Imagine you’d discovered something. Something that could save...

A Note From the Publisher

British/Swiss author Heidi Gallacher holds a Masters in Creative Writing and has had a short story published in Prima magazine and poetry published as part of a collection. Now writing historical fiction, Heidi’s latest novel, A Theory in Vienna, is based on the life of pioneer Ignaz Semmelweis.

British/Swiss author Heidi Gallacher holds a Masters in Creative Writing and has had a short story published in Prima magazine and poetry published as part of a collection. Now writing historical...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781835744215
PRICE	£4.99 (GBP)
PAGES	320

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Additional Information

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Featured Reviews

Christine B, Reviewer

A fascinating novel about a fascinating man! I found it extremely interesting to read about a fact that is nowadays so obvious to us, but was unknown as such to become a controversial topic. Indeed, nearly 200 years ago hygiene did not belong to the medical routine... The novel clearly illustrates this point while writing about Semmelweis' life and his journey to this essential discovery. And his was not an easy life!
The novel also mentions the historical background of the time and its influence on the doctor's life. Very interesting indeed.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.