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The Spanish Flu Epidemic and Its Influence on History
On the second Monday of March 1918, the world changed forever. What seemed like a harmless cold morphed into a global pandemic that would wipe out as many as a hundred-million people - ten times as many as the Great War. German troops faltered lending the allies the winning advantage, India turned its sights to independence while South Africa turned to God. In Western Samoa a quarter of the population died; in some parts of Alaska, whole villages were wiped out. Civil unrest sparked by influenza shaped nations and heralded a new era of public health where people were no longer blamed for contracting disease. Using real case histories, we take a journey through the world in 1918, and look at the impact of Spanish flu on populations from America, to France, to the Arctic, and the scientific legacy this deadly virus has left behind.
136 pages, Hardcover
First published December 20, 2019
74 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Breitnauer
2 books3 followersJ. S. Breitnauer is a British born writer and editor who divides her time between the UK and New Zealand. A graduate in History and Sociology, and holder of an MA in Culture, Class and Power in Europe from 1850, both from the University of Warwick, Breitnauer has a particular interest in twentieth century history and the effects of disease and war on society.
Breitnauer has worked as a journalist and editor since 2003, contributing to a wide variety of newspapers, magazines and journals in the UK, New Zealand and the UAE, as well as contributing chapters to two Lonely Planet guides and parenting title Is it Bedtime Yet?. She has also worked for the Anne Frank Trust UK and The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. In her writing, Breitnauer likes to focus on individual stories that add a personal dynamic to historical fact, to step into the shoes of those who were there, and experience a moment of their lives.
Breitnauer has worked as a journalist and editor since 2003, contributing to a wide variety of newspapers, magazines and journals in the UK, New Zealand and the UAE, as well as contributing chapters to two Lonely Planet guides and parenting title Is it Bedtime Yet?. She has also worked for the Anne Frank Trust UK and The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. In her writing, Breitnauer likes to focus on individual stories that add a personal dynamic to historical fact, to step into the shoes of those who were there, and experience a moment of their lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 20, 2020
Though this was written before the current pandemic it's unbelievably similar to what's going on right now.
Detailing the Spanish Flu Epidemic right from the start with the first person infected,how it was spread from country to country and the numbers of those infected. It lasted for years as well with no vaccine. Masks were required back then and in some areas people got arrested for not wearing them. Human nature doesn't change though and some fought against wearing it just like today.
Just like today the numbers were incredibly high with those infected and deaths reported of course not all deaths were reported and all cases were not know for the cause of death.
Very informative and interesting . We should all give a thank you to our health care workers who go above and beyond at the cost of not seeing their families for periods of time and at the risk of their own health. Thank you health care professionals!!!!
Pub Date: 30 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Detailing the Spanish Flu Epidemic right from the start with the first person infected,how it was spread from country to country and the numbers of those infected. It lasted for years as well with no vaccine. Masks were required back then and in some areas people got arrested for not wearing them. Human nature doesn't change though and some fought against wearing it just like today.
Just like today the numbers were incredibly high with those infected and deaths reported of course not all deaths were reported and all cases were not know for the cause of death.
Very informative and interesting . We should all give a thank you to our health care workers who go above and beyond at the cost of not seeing their families for periods of time and at the risk of their own health. Thank you health care professionals!!!!
Pub Date: 30 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 23, 2020
The author has assembled a substantial collection of personal anecdotes from across the globe which he utilizes as a lens to examine the impact of Spanish Influenza on history. This focus on personal recollections of the virus makes this book quite engaging for the general reader. However, the author's attempt to draw broad conclusions based on this assemblage of personal stories is not always convincing. For example, the author writes cryptically: "The British took the opportunity to wage mental welfare on the stricken German troops and thousands of propaganda leaflets were dropped by air over German lines suggesting that if their own troops could not relieve them, the British would." Without any further commentary, this assertion gives the impression that the flu epidemic sparked the first use of propaganda by the British during the conduct of the war. Certainly this was not the case, as both sides used propaganda from the outset of World War I in 1914. [See for example, Eberhard Demm, Censorship and Propaganda in World War I: A Comprehensive History (2019); World War I and Propaganda, edited by Troy R. E. Paddock (2014)]. For the reader who is aware that propaganda played a role in the war's conduct from the outset, this brief reference fails to answer the question: How was this usage of propaganda different from earlier usages? In other words, how exactly did the British mobilize the pandemic to their advantage? Since the author provides no citation, the reader has no idea where to look for further information.
Unfortunately, the above example is not the only place where the author makes broad claims without providing adequate evidence or explanation. For example in discussing influenza in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the author notes: "With the peak of the death toll in the two weeks before the Armistice, it has been suggested flu caused social unrest which contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the end of the war." However, the reader does not tell us, who has suggested this? What historian? In what scholarly work? Again, in the absence of any citation, the reader has no options for follow-up.
These missing citations are made more visible by the fact that the text does include some notes as well as references some scholarly works within the body of the text. For example, the author discusses relevant scholarly works by multiple historians, including Richard Bessel, professor of twentieth century German history at York University and Geoff Rice, professor emeritus at Canterbury University, Christ Church.
These occasional notes and discussions of relevant historiography also contrast sharply with explanations of viral infections that seemed designed for children: "To put it another way, imagine influenza is a shop that sells only jumpers. Inside the shop, there are three main styles of jumpers; V-neck, sweater, or cardigan -- these are the three main subtypes....you select the size and decide on the color -- this is the strain." And on and on the "jumper/virus" analogy goes. It is difficult to imagine that the same reader who requires such explanations would also be interested in discussions of historiography.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Unfortunately, the above example is not the only place where the author makes broad claims without providing adequate evidence or explanation. For example in discussing influenza in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the author notes: "With the peak of the death toll in the two weeks before the Armistice, it has been suggested flu caused social unrest which contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the end of the war." However, the reader does not tell us, who has suggested this? What historian? In what scholarly work? Again, in the absence of any citation, the reader has no options for follow-up.
These missing citations are made more visible by the fact that the text does include some notes as well as references some scholarly works within the body of the text. For example, the author discusses relevant scholarly works by multiple historians, including Richard Bessel, professor of twentieth century German history at York University and Geoff Rice, professor emeritus at Canterbury University, Christ Church.
These occasional notes and discussions of relevant historiography also contrast sharply with explanations of viral infections that seemed designed for children: "To put it another way, imagine influenza is a shop that sells only jumpers. Inside the shop, there are three main styles of jumpers; V-neck, sweater, or cardigan -- these are the three main subtypes....you select the size and decide on the color -- this is the strain." And on and on the "jumper/virus" analogy goes. It is difficult to imagine that the same reader who requires such explanations would also be interested in discussions of historiography.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 11, 2020
A fairly timely read about the last major pandemic that disrupted life in American and much of the world. When the first cases of this strain of flu hit, the world was in the midst of a gigantic global conflict, yet, within months, this pandemic would claim more lives than the fighting in all theaters of World War I. From the US, to China, to India to the Northern most reaches of Canada and Alaska, this influenza struck a wide swath, taking down all types and ages of people. Given that some of the first cases emerged in Kansas and Spain, the flu was thought to originate from those locations, especially Spain, which gave this strain the moniker of “Spanish Flu”. The author more or less debunks that theory, but notes that some of the first cases trace their origin back to China in the 1915-1916 timeframe.
This work does not have the definitive word on where the pandemic originated, but it does describe in concise writing the impact that it had across the world. It was an uneven response, with some places going into immediate quarantine to mitigate the spread and number of cases, and other being slow to respond, leading to a massive uptick in cases and overwhelming the health care structures of the day.
The work also attempts to describe the impact that this pandemic had on history. From the author of A Clockwork Orange to Hitler to the future of the Middle East, all can trace some impact back to this flu pandemic. And yes, the work does allude to the possibility of another pandemic in the future that could have such impacts.
Clearly, this was published before 2020 and the rise of COVID-19. Yet, you can find some parallels, from the uneven response to the disease to the major attempts to quarantine populations, reducing open stores, social gatherings and church services. Before our area when into social distancing, the libraries were nearly zeroed out for checking out pandemic books, and about the 1918-19 pandemic in particular. Will be interested to see what the comparison works will hold.
Overall, a short, concise, but informative work about a major event in the 20th century and one that has direct application to the present day. If you can get a copy, worth a read.
This work does not have the definitive word on where the pandemic originated, but it does describe in concise writing the impact that it had across the world. It was an uneven response, with some places going into immediate quarantine to mitigate the spread and number of cases, and other being slow to respond, leading to a massive uptick in cases and overwhelming the health care structures of the day.
The work also attempts to describe the impact that this pandemic had on history. From the author of A Clockwork Orange to Hitler to the future of the Middle East, all can trace some impact back to this flu pandemic. And yes, the work does allude to the possibility of another pandemic in the future that could have such impacts.
Clearly, this was published before 2020 and the rise of COVID-19. Yet, you can find some parallels, from the uneven response to the disease to the major attempts to quarantine populations, reducing open stores, social gatherings and church services. Before our area when into social distancing, the libraries were nearly zeroed out for checking out pandemic books, and about the 1918-19 pandemic in particular. Will be interested to see what the comparison works will hold.
Overall, a short, concise, but informative work about a major event in the 20th century and one that has direct application to the present day. If you can get a copy, worth a read.
May 1, 2020
This book on the 1918 flu focuses on the response to and changes brought about by the pandemic. It’s amazing to me that the very same issues they wrestled with are cropping up again in this a Covid-19 pandemic.
Safety vs economy
Media & govt censorship
Closing schools
Freedom
Personal responsibility
Racism
Political agendas
Man, nothing ever changes.
Safety vs economy
Media & govt censorship
Closing schools
Freedom
Personal responsibility
Racism
Political agendas
Man, nothing ever changes.
November 24, 2020
The author has assembled a substantial collection of personal anecdotes from across the globe which he utilizes as a lens to examine the impact of Spanish Influenza on history. This focus on personal recollections of the virus makes this book quite engaging for the general reader. However, the author's attempt to draw broad conclusions based on this assemblage of personal stories is not always convincing. For example, the author writes cryptically: "The British took the opportunity to wage mental welfare on the stricken German troops and thousands of propaganda leaflets were dropped by air over German lines suggesting that if their own troops could not relieve them, the British would." Without any further commentary, this assertion gives the impression that the flu epidemic sparked the first use of propaganda by the British during the conduct of the war. Certainly this was not the case, as both sides used propaganda from the outset of World War I in 1914. [See for example, Eberhard Demm, Censorship and Propaganda in World War I: A Comprehensive History (2019); World War I and Propaganda, edited by Troy R. E. Paddock (2014)]. For the reader who is aware that propaganda played a role in the war's conduct from the outset, this brief reference fails to answer the question: How was this usage of propaganda different from earlier usages? In other words, how exactly did the British mobilize the pandemic to their advantage? Since the author provides no citation, the reader has no idea where to look for further information.
Unfortunately, the above example is not the only place where the author makes broad claims without providing adequate evidence or explanation. For example in discussing influenza in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the author notes: "With the peak of the death toll in the two weeks before the Armistice, it has been suggested flu caused social unrest which contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the end of the war." However, the reader does not tell us, who has suggested this? What historian? In what scholarly work? Again, in the absence of any citation, the reader has no options for follow-up.
These missing citations are made more visible by the fact that the text does include some notes as well as references some scholarly works within the body of the text. For example, the author discusses relevant scholarly works by multiple historians, including Richard Bessel, professor of twentieth century German history at York University and Geoff Rice, professor emeritus at Canterbury University, Christ Church.
These occasional notes and discussions of relevant historiography also contrast sharply with explanations of viral infections that seemed designed for children: "To put it another way, imagine influenza is a shop that sells only jumpers. Inside the shop, there are three main styles of jumpers; V-neck, sweater, or cardigan -- these are the three main subtypes....you select the size and decide on the color -- this is the strain." And on and on the "jumper/virus" analogy goes. It is difficult to imagine that the same reader who requires such explanations would also be interested in discussions of historiography.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Unfortunately, the above example is not the only place where the author makes broad claims without providing adequate evidence or explanation. For example in discussing influenza in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the author notes: "With the peak of the death toll in the two weeks before the Armistice, it has been suggested flu caused social unrest which contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the end of the war." However, the reader does not tell us, who has suggested this? What historian? In what scholarly work? Again, in the absence of any citation, the reader has no options for follow-up.
These missing citations are made more visible by the fact that the text does include some notes as well as references some scholarly works within the body of the text. For example, the author discusses relevant scholarly works by multiple historians, including Richard Bessel, professor of twentieth century German history at York University and Geoff Rice, professor emeritus at Canterbury University, Christ Church.
These occasional notes and discussions of relevant historiography also contrast sharply with explanations of viral infections that seemed designed for children: "To put it another way, imagine influenza is a shop that sells only jumpers. Inside the shop, there are three main styles of jumpers; V-neck, sweater, or cardigan -- these are the three main subtypes....you select the size and decide on the color -- this is the strain." And on and on the "jumper/virus" analogy goes. It is difficult to imagine that the same reader who requires such explanations would also be interested in discussions of historiography.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 17, 2021
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I had this book to review on my pile for a while and the coronavirus outbreak did both put me off reading it, and also intrigued me to a degree as I often wondered how the Spanish Flu came to fruition and how the managed to control the outbreak over 100 years ago with them having nowhere near the scientific breakthroughs, medication and information we have now.
The book is well laid out and I liked the way that the book was written. Some of the chapters for me were really addictive, especially at the outset as I was craving more from the first few pages and the author managed to answer a lot of the questions I had straight away.
The sections on Alaska and how fast the virus spread there and the aftermath were shocking and to see towns decimated in that way must have been horrific, I was also appalled at the response regarding what they said needed to happen with the orphaned children too, it really was a different time back then but some of the inhabitants of the towns survived and they could easily have all been wiped out.
I also was intrigued by the author’s links between the pandemic and the rise of Hitler out of the ashes of the Germany economy that had been pretty much ruined after the Great War – another thing that has left me wondering and what the author has put forward, for me is entirely plausible too – it does make you think about how one action and the absence of Woodrow Wilson could have ultimately changed the world.
It is 4 stars from me for this one – definitely a book that has given me food for thought especially in the current coronavirus pandemic we are all going through - they do say history repeats itself
I had this book to review on my pile for a while and the coronavirus outbreak did both put me off reading it, and also intrigued me to a degree as I often wondered how the Spanish Flu came to fruition and how the managed to control the outbreak over 100 years ago with them having nowhere near the scientific breakthroughs, medication and information we have now.
The book is well laid out and I liked the way that the book was written. Some of the chapters for me were really addictive, especially at the outset as I was craving more from the first few pages and the author managed to answer a lot of the questions I had straight away.
The sections on Alaska and how fast the virus spread there and the aftermath were shocking and to see towns decimated in that way must have been horrific, I was also appalled at the response regarding what they said needed to happen with the orphaned children too, it really was a different time back then but some of the inhabitants of the towns survived and they could easily have all been wiped out.
I also was intrigued by the author’s links between the pandemic and the rise of Hitler out of the ashes of the Germany economy that had been pretty much ruined after the Great War – another thing that has left me wondering and what the author has put forward, for me is entirely plausible too – it does make you think about how one action and the absence of Woodrow Wilson could have ultimately changed the world.
It is 4 stars from me for this one – definitely a book that has given me food for thought especially in the current coronavirus pandemic we are all going through - they do say history repeats itself
November 2, 2020
A great overview of the 1918-1920 H1N1 pandemic and its effects.
The author begins each chapter with a personal story of someone who was deeply affected by H1N1. She explores the likely antecedents of the pandemic in France in 1916 and parts of China in 1917 and then fully focuses on the spread of the virus throughout America and then to Europe in a spring and fall wave in 1918 thanks to significant troop movements in World War I, and then how the virus continued to spread throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. She describes areas terribly affected and others not as affected and the reasons why: previous exposure, better quarantine standards, better public health awareness, etc.
She does quite well at showing the long-term historical effects of H1N1: how Sykes of the Sykes-Picot treaty was having second doubts, but died before any changes were made, leading to all kinds of "what if" questions about the Middle East over the past century; and Wilson's debilitation in the wake of H1N1 and the "what if" questions about how the Treaty of Versailles would have looked had Wilson been more engaged at the end, and what that would have meant for Europe over the next two decades. Above all she speaks of how the H1N1 pandemic did not seem to leave much trace in the historical record even though the effects on individuals and families must have been enormous: physical trauma was manifest in children born during the pandemic throughout their lives; the mental and emotional trauma of survival while losing parents and other loved ones must have been immense; and few talked about it in the wake of the calamity of World War I. And yet she also speaks of how the H1N1 pandemic led many countries to better prioritize public health and led to the creation of many impressive healthcare systems which work to the benefit of many to this day.
Such also explains why the documentation of the 1918-1920 H1N1 pandemic seems so sparse: because it is sparse.
Barry's magnum opus on 1918-1920 H1N1 goes into much greater depth in terms of the science and the scientists grappling with pandemic in America, but this book does much better at telling stories of those actually affected by H1N1 and provides more global testimony to the pandemic. Do not think that just because you've read Barry you've got the whole picture; I recommend reading this work as well. On the whole, this work is much better at keeping focused on the 1918-1920 H1N1 pandemic and telling its important story for the modern age.
**--galley received as part of early review program
The author begins each chapter with a personal story of someone who was deeply affected by H1N1. She explores the likely antecedents of the pandemic in France in 1916 and parts of China in 1917 and then fully focuses on the spread of the virus throughout America and then to Europe in a spring and fall wave in 1918 thanks to significant troop movements in World War I, and then how the virus continued to spread throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. She describes areas terribly affected and others not as affected and the reasons why: previous exposure, better quarantine standards, better public health awareness, etc.
She does quite well at showing the long-term historical effects of H1N1: how Sykes of the Sykes-Picot treaty was having second doubts, but died before any changes were made, leading to all kinds of "what if" questions about the Middle East over the past century; and Wilson's debilitation in the wake of H1N1 and the "what if" questions about how the Treaty of Versailles would have looked had Wilson been more engaged at the end, and what that would have meant for Europe over the next two decades. Above all she speaks of how the H1N1 pandemic did not seem to leave much trace in the historical record even though the effects on individuals and families must have been enormous: physical trauma was manifest in children born during the pandemic throughout their lives; the mental and emotional trauma of survival while losing parents and other loved ones must have been immense; and few talked about it in the wake of the calamity of World War I. And yet she also speaks of how the H1N1 pandemic led many countries to better prioritize public health and led to the creation of many impressive healthcare systems which work to the benefit of many to this day.
Such also explains why the documentation of the 1918-1920 H1N1 pandemic seems so sparse: because it is sparse.
Barry's magnum opus on 1918-1920 H1N1 goes into much greater depth in terms of the science and the scientists grappling with pandemic in America, but this book does much better at telling stories of those actually affected by H1N1 and provides more global testimony to the pandemic. Do not think that just because you've read Barry you've got the whole picture; I recommend reading this work as well. On the whole, this work is much better at keeping focused on the 1918-1920 H1N1 pandemic and telling its important story for the modern age.
**--galley received as part of early review program
June 4, 2020
(FYI I forced myself to finish this for a book club so I could cite specific examples while critiquing it.)
Breitnauer barely provides citations. Considering how extensive her source list and bibliography is, I’m dumbfounded as to why she didn’t include footnotes explaining what facts were taken from which source. I kept thinking of the “citation needed” code from Wikipedia, as this style of writing would never fly in academia.*
I was completely put off by Breitnauer using purple prose when describing historical events, and I was mentally screaming “where did you get that information?” or “you can’t know that!” in almost every instance. (E.g. “Back on the street Princip gasped. He didn’t feel that rush of pride, the glory he had momentarily experienced less than an hour ago. Panic rose inside him.”) Fictionalizing history in what should be a fact-based work of nonfiction is a no-go for me.
Breitnauer devotes space to theorizing that Woodrow Wilson contracting the flu in 1918 directly led to both Hitler and ISIS, which... okay, maybe that’s true but it’s not something you can just drop in and then move on! Also, I get that the First World War and Spanish Flu are intricately tied, but there was just WAY too much military history for me.
I just do not understand why people are giving this book such high praise. Any facts the author provides could have come from a Wikipedia binge, and any attempts Breitnauer makes to punch up her thesis just completely turned me off from even believing any of the conclusions she ultimately makes.
* I read this via the Hoopla app, and the lack of citation may be a formatting issue.
Breitnauer barely provides citations. Considering how extensive her source list and bibliography is, I’m dumbfounded as to why she didn’t include footnotes explaining what facts were taken from which source. I kept thinking of the “citation needed” code from Wikipedia, as this style of writing would never fly in academia.*
I was completely put off by Breitnauer using purple prose when describing historical events, and I was mentally screaming “where did you get that information?” or “you can’t know that!” in almost every instance. (E.g. “Back on the street Princip gasped. He didn’t feel that rush of pride, the glory he had momentarily experienced less than an hour ago. Panic rose inside him.”) Fictionalizing history in what should be a fact-based work of nonfiction is a no-go for me.
Breitnauer devotes space to theorizing that Woodrow Wilson contracting the flu in 1918 directly led to both Hitler and ISIS, which... okay, maybe that’s true but it’s not something you can just drop in and then move on! Also, I get that the First World War and Spanish Flu are intricately tied, but there was just WAY too much military history for me.
I just do not understand why people are giving this book such high praise. Any facts the author provides could have come from a Wikipedia binge, and any attempts Breitnauer makes to punch up her thesis just completely turned me off from even believing any of the conclusions she ultimately makes.
* I read this via the Hoopla app, and the lack of citation may be a formatting issue.
May 15, 2020
Wow! Interesting time to read this book and see all the parallels between the Spanish flu epidemic and our current one. A very good history lesson.
October 13, 2020
This fascinating book could not be more timely...parallels between the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu and present Covid-19 epidemic are uncanny from the fear of the unknown sinister killer to societal reactions to quarantine. The last sentence before the epilogue is chilling as this book was written before the current pandemic.
In March of 1918 a man with a cold became person zero as the first known/recorded carrier of what rapidly grew to pandemic proportions. The author of this book takes us into real lives of those who witnessed it or contracted it around the globe. She then writes about its effects on politics, health and societies. Some regions suffered unimaginable losses of up to 20+% of the population. Seeing the horror through their eyes is gut wrenching.
Symptoms were often sudden with quick deaths just hours later as dead bodies were found on buses, trains and park benches. Yet others suffered longer. Those hardest affected were in the ages 10-40 category. Healthy strong bodies literally attacked themselves which meant soldiers and others serving in the war. It is said approximately 5% of the world's population died. The effects on many countries were devastating, including higher prices and starvation and entire families wiped out.
So much to learn from this book from scientific studies including DNA to naming flus to antigenic drift to how different cultures reacted to what happened to the dead bodies.
Finally people realized isolation and masks made a huge difference. Some regions fined people for not wearing them. The Spanish Flu disappeared after it had come in several waves and caused incomprehensible sorrow and economic ruin.
Do read this if at all interested in comparing and contrasting the Spanish Flu to our current pandemic and if you wish to learn about science behind flus. Not only that but put yourself into the places and minds of others who have...and are...suffering. I highly recommend this compelling and well-researched read.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enthralling book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
In March of 1918 a man with a cold became person zero as the first known/recorded carrier of what rapidly grew to pandemic proportions. The author of this book takes us into real lives of those who witnessed it or contracted it around the globe. She then writes about its effects on politics, health and societies. Some regions suffered unimaginable losses of up to 20+% of the population. Seeing the horror through their eyes is gut wrenching.
Symptoms were often sudden with quick deaths just hours later as dead bodies were found on buses, trains and park benches. Yet others suffered longer. Those hardest affected were in the ages 10-40 category. Healthy strong bodies literally attacked themselves which meant soldiers and others serving in the war. It is said approximately 5% of the world's population died. The effects on many countries were devastating, including higher prices and starvation and entire families wiped out.
So much to learn from this book from scientific studies including DNA to naming flus to antigenic drift to how different cultures reacted to what happened to the dead bodies.
Finally people realized isolation and masks made a huge difference. Some regions fined people for not wearing them. The Spanish Flu disappeared after it had come in several waves and caused incomprehensible sorrow and economic ruin.
Do read this if at all interested in comparing and contrasting the Spanish Flu to our current pandemic and if you wish to learn about science behind flus. Not only that but put yourself into the places and minds of others who have...and are...suffering. I highly recommend this compelling and well-researched read.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enthralling book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Read
November 2, 2024read it for my college class...
June 8, 2020
Very interesting what we have and have not learned in 100 years!
August 4, 2021
Although the author has clearly examined a lot of source material, the book is firmly in the popular history camp, trying to make all that information accessible and fun to read, without relying heavily on citations. I enjoyed it - and gasped at the parallels with the present and how we don't learn from the past.
August 28, 2025
The Spanish Flu and its Influence of History
“One death is tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic”, is a truth perhaps not universally acknowledged, but is one that the author Jaime Breitnauer well observes writing this book, published in 2019, when epidemics seemed a thing of the past. It certainly contains statistics, but is mainly based on individual anecdotes, from all over the world. Their stories are all grimly similar, but bring out the different circumstances of each part of the world. These depend on conditions: levels of preexisting immunity, willingness and quickness in recognizing the disease, the ability to take action against the disease, and in the general level of medical knowledge. Relying on such knowledge we now understand was never going to be truly successful, because the flu is caused by a virus, not by bacteria, which could not be seen with the microscopes of that time. The existence of viruses was not confirmed until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1930s. Her last chapter ends: “... but perhaps the most pressing reason for us to remember the outbreaks from a virology, epidemiology, sociology and historical, point of view, is because of the high probability that will occur again.” Indeed.
“One death is tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic”, is a truth perhaps not universally acknowledged, but is one that the author Jaime Breitnauer well observes writing this book, published in 2019, when epidemics seemed a thing of the past. It certainly contains statistics, but is mainly based on individual anecdotes, from all over the world. Their stories are all grimly similar, but bring out the different circumstances of each part of the world. These depend on conditions: levels of preexisting immunity, willingness and quickness in recognizing the disease, the ability to take action against the disease, and in the general level of medical knowledge. Relying on such knowledge we now understand was never going to be truly successful, because the flu is caused by a virus, not by bacteria, which could not be seen with the microscopes of that time. The existence of viruses was not confirmed until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1930s. Her last chapter ends: “... but perhaps the most pressing reason for us to remember the outbreaks from a virology, epidemiology, sociology and historical, point of view, is because of the high probability that will occur again.” Indeed.
May 16, 2020
To close to current day events not to appreciate.
November 6, 2020
Attention History Lovers! This fascinating book is well titled. The author has written not a grisly death-fest founded on shocking data but rather a nuanced examination, continent by continent, second and third flu surges taken into account, of the impact the Spanish Flu epidemic had on human beings, our history and cultures. Because of the great attention paid to human interest stories--to the people whose lives were indelibly touched (and frankly, they all were)--many moments written of will stick in my head. That is an accomplishment.
For instance, I do not think I will ever forget that the sound of a baby babbling happily was what greeted Joseph Wilson as he returned home on leave from the Army Pay Corp, where he saw to the salaries of those fighting the Kaiser. So along the street of Manchester, England, trudges a man wanting to see his wife Elizabeth, his 8-year old daughter Muriel and the 18-month old John. I wasn't prepared for how this story would turn out based on the names, but once Joseph got inside his home and found his wife and daughter dead on the bed, and the small boy hungry but smiling in his cot, the hairs on the back of my neck rose--especially reading that this small child would feel resentment from his father for surviving and would go on to be world famous as Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange. Gracious, that story is not even in Wikipedia!
The Spanish Flu Epidemic and its Influence on History is full of such gripping human interest details, showing how people we know for whatever reason were forever affected by a virus that showed no discrimination.
The author traces the probable causes of the spread of the Spanish flu to various parts of the world. It is not less heartbreaking in Africa's mines than it is in the Ganges river, where corpses were allowed to swell and rot because poor families in India could not afford a funeral pyre. India's story pivots around the life of the famous poet Nirala, who married a woman from Uttar Pradesh, a "genteel and culturally rich" area . Although arranged, it was a love match and they had a baby swiftly. Nirala loved sitting atop the King Dal Dev fort in the area and would have probably had the most romantic of associations with Uttar Pradesh if not for the Spanish flu arriving.
Other than these wonderful human interest stories, the reader will get a real sense of deja vu. San Francisco's mask protesters while all kinds of conspiracy theories evolved spontaneously to explain where the flu had come from--usually the laboratory of the enemy (although why the Germans would want to kill themselves off is a good question). A wonderful and timely book!
#TheSpanishFluEpidemicanditsInfluenceonHistory #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
For instance, I do not think I will ever forget that the sound of a baby babbling happily was what greeted Joseph Wilson as he returned home on leave from the Army Pay Corp, where he saw to the salaries of those fighting the Kaiser. So along the street of Manchester, England, trudges a man wanting to see his wife Elizabeth, his 8-year old daughter Muriel and the 18-month old John. I wasn't prepared for how this story would turn out based on the names, but once Joseph got inside his home and found his wife and daughter dead on the bed, and the small boy hungry but smiling in his cot, the hairs on the back of my neck rose--especially reading that this small child would feel resentment from his father for surviving and would go on to be world famous as Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange. Gracious, that story is not even in Wikipedia!
The Spanish Flu Epidemic and its Influence on History is full of such gripping human interest details, showing how people we know for whatever reason were forever affected by a virus that showed no discrimination.
The author traces the probable causes of the spread of the Spanish flu to various parts of the world. It is not less heartbreaking in Africa's mines than it is in the Ganges river, where corpses were allowed to swell and rot because poor families in India could not afford a funeral pyre. India's story pivots around the life of the famous poet Nirala, who married a woman from Uttar Pradesh, a "genteel and culturally rich" area . Although arranged, it was a love match and they had a baby swiftly. Nirala loved sitting atop the King Dal Dev fort in the area and would have probably had the most romantic of associations with Uttar Pradesh if not for the Spanish flu arriving.
Other than these wonderful human interest stories, the reader will get a real sense of deja vu. San Francisco's mask protesters while all kinds of conspiracy theories evolved spontaneously to explain where the flu had come from--usually the laboratory of the enemy (although why the Germans would want to kill themselves off is a good question). A wonderful and timely book!
#TheSpanishFluEpidemicanditsInfluenceonHistory #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
October 31, 2020
Spanish Flu killed about 12,000 Australians - less than one per cent compared with over six per cent of the global population, The Director General of the Commonwealth Quarantine Service Dr. John Cumpston read the reports from Europe in 1918 about an outbreak of a vicious new disease causing countless deaths, mostly about young people. He took speedy action, and the States agreed to thirteen resolutions to ensure that they acted consistently.
Unfortunately, in January, there was a new outbreak in Melbourne and Cumpston didn't push Victoria to declare it. Soon it spread to NSW and faith in the new Federal government broke down. The agreement was broken. Now the States decided to act alone but we 'still stayed the hand of the disease long enough to allow its virulence to weaken', and Cumpston was appointed the first director general of health in March 1921. Hopefully, we will handle this virus well, too.
This part of the book was probably the happiest story- it certainly gave me hope, although 12,000 people is not exactly minor. It's mostly a harrowing and miserable, but fascinating, tale about a deadly disease which ripped through the world's population, and had long and lasting effects. Some of the stories will even bring tears to your eyes.
The Spanish Flu even had great political effects. The terrible effect on the Germans may have caused them to lose the First World War, for example. Also, President Wilson's bout of Spanish Flu may have contributed to the Versailles Treaty, and his premature retirement from a stroke (probably cause by the flu) meant that he was unable to persuade the US to join the League of Nations or ratify the Treaty of Versailles.
This is a timely and comprehensively researched book which all politicians, and health directors, should read. Although harrowing, it is a compelling tale.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately, in January, there was a new outbreak in Melbourne and Cumpston didn't push Victoria to declare it. Soon it spread to NSW and faith in the new Federal government broke down. The agreement was broken. Now the States decided to act alone but we 'still stayed the hand of the disease long enough to allow its virulence to weaken', and Cumpston was appointed the first director general of health in March 1921. Hopefully, we will handle this virus well, too.
This part of the book was probably the happiest story- it certainly gave me hope, although 12,000 people is not exactly minor. It's mostly a harrowing and miserable, but fascinating, tale about a deadly disease which ripped through the world's population, and had long and lasting effects. Some of the stories will even bring tears to your eyes.
The Spanish Flu even had great political effects. The terrible effect on the Germans may have caused them to lose the First World War, for example. Also, President Wilson's bout of Spanish Flu may have contributed to the Versailles Treaty, and his premature retirement from a stroke (probably cause by the flu) meant that he was unable to persuade the US to join the League of Nations or ratify the Treaty of Versailles.
This is a timely and comprehensively researched book which all politicians, and health directors, should read. Although harrowing, it is a compelling tale.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 18, 2020
This book has a lot going for it, and I would recommend it for use in the classroom. I have already recommended it to friends who teach at the college level, and am considering using a portion in one of my courses. Something inferred, but not often directly discussed, is the role of imperialism in the experience and aftermath of the flu. There's a great assignment there that I havent fully formed yet.
I'd also recommend it to armchair historians or people newly interested because of COVID.
Breitnauer covers a lot of space in not a lot of pages, including not only the US and Europe, but also China, Japan, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and more. Each chapter starts with a vignette of a specific person. Although citations are light, the material is accurate. There are also references to source material such as in this person's memoir, that person's letter, etc. There is some conjecture, but most of it is realistic and grounded. We may not have record of someone feeling weak or wiping sweat from their brow, but we know the symptoms of this flu or that the person was standing in a sun in a wool suit in summer.
That said, the last section makes a lot of claims about the far reaching effects of the Spanish Flu without much support offered. They arent ground breaking claims, but still a stretch to chalk up to just the flu epidemic. Also, the bias for modern and western medicine is a problem. But overall, these dont take away from the overall utility of the work.
Note - this was written *before* COVID
Thank you to Jaime Breitnauer, Pen and Sword, and Netgalley for a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion
I'd also recommend it to armchair historians or people newly interested because of COVID.
Breitnauer covers a lot of space in not a lot of pages, including not only the US and Europe, but also China, Japan, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and more. Each chapter starts with a vignette of a specific person. Although citations are light, the material is accurate. There are also references to source material such as in this person's memoir, that person's letter, etc. There is some conjecture, but most of it is realistic and grounded. We may not have record of someone feeling weak or wiping sweat from their brow, but we know the symptoms of this flu or that the person was standing in a sun in a wool suit in summer.
That said, the last section makes a lot of claims about the far reaching effects of the Spanish Flu without much support offered. They arent ground breaking claims, but still a stretch to chalk up to just the flu epidemic. Also, the bias for modern and western medicine is a problem. But overall, these dont take away from the overall utility of the work.
Note - this was written *before* COVID
Thank you to Jaime Breitnauer, Pen and Sword, and Netgalley for a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion
November 18, 2020
This book has a lot going for it, and I would recommend it for use in the classroom. I have already recommended it to friends who teach at the college level, and am considering using a portion in one of my courses. Something inferred, but not often directly discussed, is the role of imperialism in the experience and aftermath of the flu. There's a great assignment there that I havent fully formed yet.
I'd also recommend it to armchair historians or people newly interested because of COVID.
Breitnauer covers a lot of space in not a lot of pages, including not only the US and Europe, but also China, Japan, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and more.
Each chapter starts with a vignette of a specific person. Although citations are light, the material is accurate. There are also references to source material such as in this person's memoir, that person's letter, etc. There is some conjecture, but most of it is realistic and grounded. We may not have record of someone feeling weak or wiping sweat from their brow, but we know the symptoms of this flu or that the person was standing in a sun in a wool suit in summer.
That said, the last section makes a lot of claims about the far reaching effects of the Spanish Flu without much support offered. They arent ground breaking claims, but still a stretch to chalk up to just the flu epidemic. Also, the bias for modern and western medicine is a problem. But overall, these dont take away from the overall utility of the work.
Note - this was written *before* COVID
Thank you to Jaime Breitnauer, Pen and Sword, and Netgalley for a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion
I'd also recommend it to armchair historians or people newly interested because of COVID.
Breitnauer covers a lot of space in not a lot of pages, including not only the US and Europe, but also China, Japan, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and more.
Each chapter starts with a vignette of a specific person. Although citations are light, the material is accurate. There are also references to source material such as in this person's memoir, that person's letter, etc. There is some conjecture, but most of it is realistic and grounded. We may not have record of someone feeling weak or wiping sweat from their brow, but we know the symptoms of this flu or that the person was standing in a sun in a wool suit in summer.
That said, the last section makes a lot of claims about the far reaching effects of the Spanish Flu without much support offered. They arent ground breaking claims, but still a stretch to chalk up to just the flu epidemic. Also, the bias for modern and western medicine is a problem. But overall, these dont take away from the overall utility of the work.
Note - this was written *before* COVID
Thank you to Jaime Breitnauer, Pen and Sword, and Netgalley for a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion
June 5, 2020
I learned a lot about the flu, health systems, politics, and war by reading this book. The author examines the impact the flu had on a war-weakened population. Facts were hard to come by at the time because secrecy was necessary during the war. The Germans were winning the war and were in a favourable position when Russian dropped out because of revolution. But the strain of the second wave of the flu was so bad that people would drop dead on the street.
The book estimates 100 million died as a result of the flu. Because troops were being moved all over the world, especially into remote communities, the flu successfully transported everywhere.
The celebrations that went on after the war caused even more spreading. The Versailles agreements were poorly drafted after key committee members were either ill or dead. The Second World War and the 100 years of unrest in the Middle East May have been avoided if the flu hadn’t happened. Who knows?
The fact that it is even call the Spanish Flu is interesting. Spain was neutral country during the war so they were one of the only countries providing accurate information about their dying population. Research shown in the book suggests that it most likely started in China.
Learning history is a good way to understand the world we currently live in and will help avoid reliving the past. We don’t need to constantly make the same errors endlessly. That’s simply insane.
The book estimates 100 million died as a result of the flu. Because troops were being moved all over the world, especially into remote communities, the flu successfully transported everywhere.
The celebrations that went on after the war caused even more spreading. The Versailles agreements were poorly drafted after key committee members were either ill or dead. The Second World War and the 100 years of unrest in the Middle East May have been avoided if the flu hadn’t happened. Who knows?
The fact that it is even call the Spanish Flu is interesting. Spain was neutral country during the war so they were one of the only countries providing accurate information about their dying population. Research shown in the book suggests that it most likely started in China.
Learning history is a good way to understand the world we currently live in and will help avoid reliving the past. We don’t need to constantly make the same errors endlessly. That’s simply insane.
May 2, 2020
This was a really well-written book that moved back and forth from personal stories leading into how the Spanish Flu effected that country or topic discussed in the chapter. It made it easier to relate as a reader and not have a level of academic feel to the reading. During this COVID-19 outbreak, it illustrated a lot of parallels between the two with barely a century in between them. It was extremely interesting to see the affect it left on history and the impact it made on historical figures. Two things are abundantly clear after completing this book:
1) In just a hundred short years, a lot has changed. Science and medicine has progressed. Education and the speed of disseminating information has also change dramatically. As has how much more quickly these viruses can be transferred due to travel and accessibility today.
2) How little has changed in just a century. Many people still have less than acceptable hygiene habits, or disregard how their illness might transfer to others. Watching the COVID-19 restrictions in comparison to the Spanish Flu restrictions made you realize that in 1918 they were either ahead of the curve or their is only so much you can do to try and keep a line of defense going to stop/ slow the spread of these viruses.
1) In just a hundred short years, a lot has changed. Science and medicine has progressed. Education and the speed of disseminating information has also change dramatically. As has how much more quickly these viruses can be transferred due to travel and accessibility today.
2) How little has changed in just a century. Many people still have less than acceptable hygiene habits, or disregard how their illness might transfer to others. Watching the COVID-19 restrictions in comparison to the Spanish Flu restrictions made you realize that in 1918 they were either ahead of the curve or their is only so much you can do to try and keep a line of defense going to stop/ slow the spread of these viruses.
August 23, 2021
A must read for history buffs!
A must read for history buffs and a great testimony on "those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” This is a book on the outbreak of Spanish flu, one of the deadliest pandemics in the history of humanity, it's effects on the 1st World War and on society, affecting a minimum of 30 per cent of the global population, and killing around 5 per cent ~ 100 million!
Bear in mind, this book was written before the COVID-19 pandemic and it is uncanny how history repeats with such striking similarities to the current pandemic. From the harmless symptoms of a cough quickly morphing into a virus, the assumption of a seasonal flu, the similarities with 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave with each become deadlier than the previous one, the news censorship as everyone was distracted by war, the impact on Christianity, ending apartheid in South Africa and serving as a catalyst for India to gain its independence in 1947..just WOW!
It is a highly fascinating and humbling read, at times heavy and sobering. I wish the events and anecdotes listed were more chronological for a smooth reading flow. Nevertheless, great one to pick from a 1st time writer!
A must read for history buffs and a great testimony on "those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” This is a book on the outbreak of Spanish flu, one of the deadliest pandemics in the history of humanity, it's effects on the 1st World War and on society, affecting a minimum of 30 per cent of the global population, and killing around 5 per cent ~ 100 million!
Bear in mind, this book was written before the COVID-19 pandemic and it is uncanny how history repeats with such striking similarities to the current pandemic. From the harmless symptoms of a cough quickly morphing into a virus, the assumption of a seasonal flu, the similarities with 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave with each become deadlier than the previous one, the news censorship as everyone was distracted by war, the impact on Christianity, ending apartheid in South Africa and serving as a catalyst for India to gain its independence in 1947..just WOW!
It is a highly fascinating and humbling read, at times heavy and sobering. I wish the events and anecdotes listed were more chronological for a smooth reading flow. Nevertheless, great one to pick from a 1st time writer!
July 20, 2020
One of the strengths of this book was the way the author melded personal stories of the epidemic from around the world into the bigger picture they were attempting to draw -- that this epidemic most likely had a strong impact on the outcome of the First World War; that as a result of the pandemic, many nations expanded health care to much of the populace and in some cases even changed or combined traditional medicine with more scientific methods; and that the pandemic may have loosened the ties that bound colonies to the nations that ruled them. Jaime Breitnauer even makes a case that the influenza is partially to blame for current unrest and struggle in the Mideast.
In many cases, I believe the author has overstated the case for the influence of the influenza, having confused correlation with cause and effect. But the cases are well laid out and well written and at least give the reader something to ponder.
An interesting book to read.
In many cases, I believe the author has overstated the case for the influence of the influenza, having confused correlation with cause and effect. But the cases are well laid out and well written and at least give the reader something to ponder.
An interesting book to read.
May 21, 2020
Written before there was a whisper of Covid-19. I was interested to see what similarities and differences there are between our time and this.
Spoiler ahead
My main takeaways were from both sides of the controversy of our almost worldwide shutdown.
1) That 2nd wave we are all worried about now? Their 2nd wave was due to a mutation in the virus and movement of people at the end of the war. People who had been exposed to the previous version of this flu were less likely to die in the 2nd wave. If that happens with Covid-19, history books will mock us for the lockdown.
2) Social programs were mostly non-existent in 1918-1920. The utter hopelessness of the working person who got sick is heartbreaking. At least we know public officials are trying - whether they are making the right decision or not. We may never know.
Spoiler ahead
My main takeaways were from both sides of the controversy of our almost worldwide shutdown.
1) That 2nd wave we are all worried about now? Their 2nd wave was due to a mutation in the virus and movement of people at the end of the war. People who had been exposed to the previous version of this flu were less likely to die in the 2nd wave. If that happens with Covid-19, history books will mock us for the lockdown.
2) Social programs were mostly non-existent in 1918-1920. The utter hopelessness of the working person who got sick is heartbreaking. At least we know public officials are trying - whether they are making the right decision or not. We may never know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
I only got about half way through before giving up. Maybe the 2nd half is great. The first half is almost all short vignettes about people who came down with the influenza during the epidemic of 1917-1919. A lot of the stories seem speculative--a young man worrying about if the army will accept him because he is short (then he gets sick and dies). I suspect that the only info Breitnauer had on the man was his height and weight at enlistment. I think he was trying to have the readers see millions dead as real people but the info was so sketchy that it didn't work for me. Perhaps the last half of the book covered the influence on history and was great, but I couldn't keep slogging so I don't know.
October 21, 2020
Though it's nicely written and spends time on all the continents there just isn't anything new here. As mostly reported before, it probably started in Europe and then spread across the trenches in France. Returning soldiers, after the Armistice in November 1918 are the most likely suspects.
Since many Europeans had already been subjected to the flu at one time, the effect on 'native' people such as Eskimos and Maoris was like 'smallpox' because these groups had no immunity from previous encounters with the virus. Therefore it has been shown to have adversely affected the poor and those living in slums without potable water sources.
So, it's ok if you know nothing about the Pandemic, but it reads more like an Wikipedia page.
Since many Europeans had already been subjected to the flu at one time, the effect on 'native' people such as Eskimos and Maoris was like 'smallpox' because these groups had no immunity from previous encounters with the virus. Therefore it has been shown to have adversely affected the poor and those living in slums without potable water sources.
So, it's ok if you know nothing about the Pandemic, but it reads more like an Wikipedia page.
April 18, 2020
I’m not sure if reading this has done much for my anxiety level, but definitely worth reading so I can make my own decision of what to do during the Covid outbreak and it isn’t....to go and celebrate freedom like some are doing in Jacksonville Florida as I write this! We NEED and should use extreme caution in reintroducing ourself back to normal living.
The second wave of Covid, if history repeats itself, will be worse than the the first wave. This is war and we need to arm ourselves with the information that is given us, or slide on the slippery slope to our demise.
The second wave of Covid, if history repeats itself, will be worse than the the first wave. This is war and we need to arm ourselves with the information that is given us, or slide on the slippery slope to our demise.
April 23, 2020
It is said that history repeats itself and this book confirms that. There are many similarities to the Covid-19 pandemic we’re currently experiencing and the Spanish flu of 100 years ago. One thing that has not changed is the human tendency to dislike being told what to do even when it’s for their own good.
I found the author’s treatment of various geographic areas interesting and informative. Sad to say, politics then and now seems to trump integrity in many cases. Hopefully we can pass along insights for future generations.
I found the author’s treatment of various geographic areas interesting and informative. Sad to say, politics then and now seems to trump integrity in many cases. Hopefully we can pass along insights for future generations.
May 12, 2020
Of course I read this book right smack in the middle of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The book did have some grammatical errors in a few places, but the overall book was good. It was eerie to read about something 100 years ago that feels so current. At times I forgot I was reading about history. It made me wonder what will be said about the 2020 pandemic 100 years from now. It was neat to see how different parts of the world, and even different cities/regions in the same part of the world, reacted to the Spanish flu and how they chose to handle it. Great book for the current times.
August 6, 2021
A thorough and smart look at the world-wide consequences of the Spanish Flu, mixing the author's colorful writing and stories of human experience to weave together the narrative of how not just those in WWI, but the marginalized populations around the world as well were affected by the disease.
She shows why just boiling it down to base death toll numbers misses a lot of context in just what the virus did to countries and populations you might otherwise not think about and affected history in paradigm-shifting ways. A very good and enlightening read!
She shows why just boiling it down to base death toll numbers misses a lot of context in just what the virus did to countries and populations you might otherwise not think about and affected history in paradigm-shifting ways. A very good and enlightening read!
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