Internationally known, Dr. Alexander J. Walt (1923-1996) expanded the breadth of surgical education. Dr. Walt believed that "a cultured surgeon is a better surgeon, " and instructed his residents on the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Dulchavsky and Schwartz bring together a collection of Dr. Walt's papers that demonstrates his keen wit, humor, and the personal challenges that characterized this great surgeon. Included are his visionary works on graduate medical education, compassionate patient care, and the future of surgery for the twenty-first century.