Mosquito Warrior: Yellow Fever, Public Health, and the Forgotten Career of General William C. Gorgas

by Carol R. Byerly

A timely biography of General William C. Gorgas, the US Army doctor whose pioneering fight against infectious disease around the world set the stage for the American Century

 

Genres: Audiobook

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this compelling biography of a totally exceptional man. They don't make 'em like this anymore. Gorgas was extremely dedicated to eradicating both mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases from tropical areas in Central America and the Caribbean and without him the Panama canal construction would have likely failed. He was genius, bold and persistent, and even put himself in harm's way for the betterment of our world. Exceptional man and very well written book!

[Ben White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of one of the forgotten and unsung heroes of public health. The author really compiled so many sources into a well woven narrative of Surgeon General Gorgas' adventures and his journals; You really felt like you were connected and almost reliving the experiences. He is not venerated however, with the author providing and exploring the racism, sexism, and prejudices of the day.

Public health nerds and medical historians will love this book.

[Nicolas Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look for my upcoming review in the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences.