Epidemics and the Modern World

by Mitchell L. Hammond

Epidemics and the Modern World explores the relationships between epidemics and key themes in modern history. Our institutions, colonial structures, relationships to animals, and perceptions of suffering, sexuality, race, and disability have all shaped – and been shaped by – these significant medical events.
This book uses "biographies" of epidemics such as plague, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS to explore the impact of disease on the development of modern societies from the fourteenth century to the present. Drawing on the most recent science of genetics, microbiology, and climatology, this text includes "Science Focus" boxes that discuss important scientific concepts and technologies. Structured workshop sections with engaging primary sources help readers develop skills of interpretation and gain knowledge of key historical events.
Epidemics and the Modern World assumes no prior experience with the history of science or medicine and is accessible for undergraduate students, while its challenging approach to the history of the modern world will engage readers of all levels and all interests.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Science, Medical

519 pages, Hardcover

Published January 16, 2020

Reviews

[sonya ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for school but interesting nonetheless

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book for a modern world history survey this past semester. It was interesting and had a great balance of scientific and medical information with themes in modern history. My main criticism is that it is overly focused on the Western world for a text marketed toward world history. Asia only comes up a few times as an afterthought, and the rest of the world is considered through a very Eurocentric lens. I’m going to stick with it next semester because the topic is so relatable to students right now, but I don’t like it as a text for a survey course under normal circumstances.