"A popularization book that masterfully combines science and history as few others do." Literatures News.

"Raúl Rivas tells with literary mastery stories in which microorganisms are the protagonists. One is left wanting more. If you like good stories, you will surely enjoy this book." Francisco R. Villatoro, La ciencia de la mula Francis, Naukas.

"Perfectly sized to make it a dynamic and enjoyable read; I have been unable to start a chapter without reading it in one sitting. Entertaining, thorough and well written. The qualities that great popular science books have." Daniel Martín Reina, Hablando de Ciencia.

"A different history of microbiology, full of anecdotes, curiosities, enigmas and scientific adventures in which we learn about microorganisms, chemistry, history, art and many other issues. A very complete book." Eva Caballero, La mecánica del caracol, Radio Euskadi.

"Some of the most relevant and curious episodes of History in which microbes are the real protagonists." Manuel Seara, A hombros de gigantes, RNE.

★By Raul Rivas, winner of the Antonio José Palomares Award of the Spanish Society of Nitrogen Fixation!

Amazing unicorns, seductive mermaids, swift pixies, hungry orcs, elusive ghosts ...... Myths and legends have been among us from the very beginning. They disturb us and at the same time attract us in a deadly way. Who has never believed in seeing shadows in the night or looking at his face in the stains on the walls?

In this book, the reader will find scientific answers to some of the riddles, legends, myths and mysteries that have lasted for generations. But you will also encounter fascinating stories from biology, medicine, microbiology, zoology, psychiatry and many other fields of science. The truth of these stories will be gradually revealed by science. And science will well fascinate and amaze the most stubborn people.

Raúl Rivas
PhD in Biology, a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Salamanca, with deep research in pharmacology, environmental sciences and criminology. He is also a professor at the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) Summer Science Campuses and has directed 45 continuing and specialized training courses. His teacher evaluations have been consistently awarded the highest distinction of Excellent. Currently, he is also a researcher at the Institute for Research in Agrobiotechnology, the Associated Unit of the University of Salamanca/irnasa-csic and a Research Unit of Excellence of the Junta de Castilla y León. Among other things, he is a postdoctoral researcher and visiting professor at the Universities of Belgium and Chile. As is a member of multiple scientific societies, he has supervised 10 doctoral theses, 9 bachelor theses, 28 master positions and 42 degree termination exercises. During his career he has published more than 170 scientific articles in major international journals and books. He is the owner of 4 patents and several MTAs and is a regular evaluator of international scientific projects and publications. To date, he has been responsible for 44 research projects and 10 innovation and teaching improvement projects. For 3 years, he has been directing and hosting the weekly broadcasting program "El Viejo Verde" on science communication. He regularly gives lectures and workshops for various activities aimed at the dissemination of science. H He has received 15 awards and mentions, including the Antonio José Palomares Award of the Spanish Society of Nitrogen Fixation and the First National Award of Scientific Photography fotciencia.