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Plagued: Pandemics from the Black Death to Covid-19 and Beyond
From the Black Death to COVID-19, pandemics have shaped and reshaped human society. Science and history can give us insight into two urgent Why do they persist? And how can we survive them? Pandemics have been with us since Homo sapiens appeared on Earth nearly 300,000 years ago. Forty percent of our genes are made of DNA from viruses. Yet we still remain vulnerable. Today, we are engulfed by a new SARS-CoV-2 or the coronavirus that originated in China and, within four months, had spread to every country in the world. Thanks to advances in molecular biology and new tools with which to probe them, we are also in the midst of a golden age of understanding when it comes to our tiniest enemies. DNA technology is rewriting history, resolving disputes that have persisted for decades - and giving us crucial insights that may safeguard our future. Infectious disease specialist Dr. John Froude has worked on four continents over nearly 50 years, treating sufferers of plagues that arose over a century ago and never left us (like malaria and cholera) and battling new threats (like AIDS and COVID-19) as they emerge. In Plagued , he offers a gripping and timely account of the pandemics that have driven our evolution and shaped our history. Plagued tells the stories of yellow fever, smallpox, syphilis, the bubonic plague, influenza, typhus, cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and COVID-19. Blending science and narrative, Froude explores not only the unstoppable march of pestilence and its effects, but our intimate relationship with bacteria and viruses. He also explores the complex wonder that is human immunity, which itself is the consequence of an arms race between microbes and our animal ancestors that started three and a half billion years ago. Along the way, we meet the dogged geniuses who have brought us back from the brink and see what it might take to do it again. Plagues arise without warning. But as we watch the current cataclysm unfold in real time, we have a unique opportunity to forge a path ahead that avoids both denial and panic. This timely book illustrates how lessons from the past, both distant and recent, may be the key to understanding why pandemics continue to plague us, and what can be done to stop them.
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Published August 3, 2021
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April 28, 2023
Nu voi pricepe niciodată de ce unii editori modifică titlul original. Se gîndesc, probabil, că noul titlu e mai sonor, mai atractiv. „Plagued” este omul suferind, cel lovit de o boală, pacientul neajutorat. Titlul românesc trimite, în schimb, la istorie. Dar John Froude nu e istoric, e medic specialist în boli infecțioase. A lucrat în spital, s-a confruntat cu suferința (a îngrijit bolnavi de SIDA) și a încercat s-o diminueze. Aluziile istorice sînt puține.
Cartea nu prezintă o istorie a epidemiilor din Antichitate pînă azi. Froude a realizat, mai degrabă, un inventar / catalog de boli pe care le-a ordonat după sursa lor. În prima parte, prezintă molimele provocate de bacterii (ciuma, holera, tifosul, tuberculoza, sifilisul, malaria). În partea a doua, descrie bolile provocate de viruși / virusuri (variola, febra galbenă, gripa spaniolă, HIV, Ebola, COVID-19 etc.). Despre COVID nu spune nimic nou.
Capitolele au o structură monografică. După o introducere anecdotică, autorul prezintă agenții patogeni și modul în care au fost identificați (mai tîrziu decît tîrziu). Pînă în secolul XIX, medicii au legat molimele de „miasma”, aerul otrăvit, stricat, aerul purtător de boli (nimic despre purici, țînțari sau șobolani). De altfel, numele „malaria” provine de la malus aer = aer rău (p.114). Ciuma ataca din văzduh. Influenza / gripa venea de la stele (p.37) la fel. Cînd londonezii mergeau la teatru, să privească o piesă de Shakespeare, duceau la gură (și nas) punguțe cu aromate (în formă de cioc de pasăre). Igiena era precară, aerul greu, aromatele îi ajutau măcar să reziste duhorilor, dar nu puteau opri ciuma. Cînd molima lovea un oraș, cel mai sănătos lucru era să fugi. Prin 1586, Michel de Montaigne era primar în Bordeaux. Confruntat cu un atac de ciumă, a fost cel dintîi care a dat bir cu fugiții.
În epidemii, constată John Froude, oamenii se comportă întocmai ca în trecut. Esența umană a rămas aceeași. Stăpîniți de frică, muritorii încep să fabuleze cu privire la „agenții” bolii, îi neagă realitatea, nu au încredere în nimeni. Ne aflăm în plină pandemie și încercăm cu disperare să uităm de ea. O viață are omul!
P. S. Din nota de mai sus nu prea rezultă că am citit cartea. Trebuie s-o dovedesc. Am cules, deci, cîteva informații:
- În anul 210. e.n., medicul Galen a folosit termenul „plaga” cu sensul de epidemie (p.13).
- În 1894, Alexandre Yersin, elev al lui Pasteur și Koch, a identificat bacteria producătoare de ciumă bubonică, Yersinia pestis (pp.39-42).
- Puricii „sînt capabili să sară non-stop zile întregi” (p.44).
- Prima descriere a tuberculozei se află într-un tratat chinezesc redactat prin anul 300 î.e.n. (p.79)
- Shakespeare ar fi fost sifilitic, dar a murit (la 52 de ani) de tifos (pp.98-100), care e purtat de păduchi (pp.72-78)). E prima dată cînd întîlnesc acest diagnostic retrospectiv.
- „În 1905, tratamentul pentru sifilis era același ca în 1606: băi fierbinți, săruri de mercur și lemn sfînt (p.104).
- Efectul malign scade pe măsură ce virusul îmbătrînește. Numai cînd e tînăr, e foarte rău. Am observat asta și la SARS-CoV-2 (p.110). Avea dreptate prozatorul miruirii: „Cu vremea virusul își pierde vlaga...”.
- Virusul singur e o entitate chimică, pentru a învia are nevoie de o gazdă (p.123).
- „98% din greutatea materiei vii este virală” (p.129).
Am obosit...
Cartea nu prezintă o istorie a epidemiilor din Antichitate pînă azi. Froude a realizat, mai degrabă, un inventar / catalog de boli pe care le-a ordonat după sursa lor. În prima parte, prezintă molimele provocate de bacterii (ciuma, holera, tifosul, tuberculoza, sifilisul, malaria). În partea a doua, descrie bolile provocate de viruși / virusuri (variola, febra galbenă, gripa spaniolă, HIV, Ebola, COVID-19 etc.). Despre COVID nu spune nimic nou.
Capitolele au o structură monografică. După o introducere anecdotică, autorul prezintă agenții patogeni și modul în care au fost identificați (mai tîrziu decît tîrziu). Pînă în secolul XIX, medicii au legat molimele de „miasma”, aerul otrăvit, stricat, aerul purtător de boli (nimic despre purici, țînțari sau șobolani). De altfel, numele „malaria” provine de la malus aer = aer rău (p.114). Ciuma ataca din văzduh. Influenza / gripa venea de la stele (p.37) la fel. Cînd londonezii mergeau la teatru, să privească o piesă de Shakespeare, duceau la gură (și nas) punguțe cu aromate (în formă de cioc de pasăre). Igiena era precară, aerul greu, aromatele îi ajutau măcar să reziste duhorilor, dar nu puteau opri ciuma. Cînd molima lovea un oraș, cel mai sănătos lucru era să fugi. Prin 1586, Michel de Montaigne era primar în Bordeaux. Confruntat cu un atac de ciumă, a fost cel dintîi care a dat bir cu fugiții.
În epidemii, constată John Froude, oamenii se comportă întocmai ca în trecut. Esența umană a rămas aceeași. Stăpîniți de frică, muritorii încep să fabuleze cu privire la „agenții” bolii, îi neagă realitatea, nu au încredere în nimeni. Ne aflăm în plină pandemie și încercăm cu disperare să uităm de ea. O viață are omul!
P. S. Din nota de mai sus nu prea rezultă că am citit cartea. Trebuie s-o dovedesc. Am cules, deci, cîteva informații:
- În anul 210. e.n., medicul Galen a folosit termenul „plaga” cu sensul de epidemie (p.13).
- În 1894, Alexandre Yersin, elev al lui Pasteur și Koch, a identificat bacteria producătoare de ciumă bubonică, Yersinia pestis (pp.39-42).
- Puricii „sînt capabili să sară non-stop zile întregi” (p.44).
- Prima descriere a tuberculozei se află într-un tratat chinezesc redactat prin anul 300 î.e.n. (p.79)
- Shakespeare ar fi fost sifilitic, dar a murit (la 52 de ani) de tifos (pp.98-100), care e purtat de păduchi (pp.72-78)). E prima dată cînd întîlnesc acest diagnostic retrospectiv.
- „În 1905, tratamentul pentru sifilis era același ca în 1606: băi fierbinți, săruri de mercur și lemn sfînt (p.104).
- Efectul malign scade pe măsură ce virusul îmbătrînește. Numai cînd e tînăr, e foarte rău. Am observat asta și la SARS-CoV-2 (p.110). Avea dreptate prozatorul miruirii: „Cu vremea virusul își pierde vlaga...”.
- Virusul singur e o entitate chimică, pentru a învia are nevoie de o gazdă (p.123).
- „98% din greutatea materiei vii este virală” (p.129).
Am obosit...
May 3, 2021
In Plagued: Pandemics from the Black Death to COVID-19 and Beyond, Dr. John Froude takes us on a historical and scientific journey through the world of pathogenic diseases. On its face, such a description may cause some eyes to glaze over, but this book isn't simply a list of facts about plagues. Nor is it simply a scientific exploration of how pathogens interact within bodies and throughout populations. We're given a little bit of everything, which makes this a book that readers from a variety of backgrounds can enjoy.
Froude does get into the genetic and biochemical intricacies of each pathogen, and while some may find this information to be easy to follow, other readers may feel a bit bogged down by it. However, this doesn't characterize the book in its entirety. Froude presents himself as scientist, doctor and storyteller all once, painting a narrative that in its totality is quite accessible. He deftly transports the reader to the places and times where viral and bacterial plagues ravaged populations, tracing each pathogen from its source and taking us along its journey from cell to full blown pandemic.
Froude also does a great job of illustrating how plagues themselves shape culture. He includes poetry, art, anecdotes, and excerpts from letters to give the reader an on-the-ground perspective of just how different peoples and nations dealt with plagues throughout time. I also appreciated the thread he weaved throughout the centuries, showing the intimate connection between war, colonialism, and the spread of pandemics around the world. This gave the book a more well-rounded narrative that makes it more enjoyable than your average science-based book.
This book was informative, entertaining, and terrifying all at once. I would recommend it to anyone hoping to expand their knowledge of how pandemics start, spread, and sustain themselves across spaces and throughout time.
Thanks to NetGalley, BenBella Books & John Froude, MD for an ARC of this book.
Froude does get into the genetic and biochemical intricacies of each pathogen, and while some may find this information to be easy to follow, other readers may feel a bit bogged down by it. However, this doesn't characterize the book in its entirety. Froude presents himself as scientist, doctor and storyteller all once, painting a narrative that in its totality is quite accessible. He deftly transports the reader to the places and times where viral and bacterial plagues ravaged populations, tracing each pathogen from its source and taking us along its journey from cell to full blown pandemic.
Froude also does a great job of illustrating how plagues themselves shape culture. He includes poetry, art, anecdotes, and excerpts from letters to give the reader an on-the-ground perspective of just how different peoples and nations dealt with plagues throughout time. I also appreciated the thread he weaved throughout the centuries, showing the intimate connection between war, colonialism, and the spread of pandemics around the world. This gave the book a more well-rounded narrative that makes it more enjoyable than your average science-based book.
This book was informative, entertaining, and terrifying all at once. I would recommend it to anyone hoping to expand their knowledge of how pandemics start, spread, and sustain themselves across spaces and throughout time.
Thanks to NetGalley, BenBella Books & John Froude, MD for an ARC of this book.
September 20, 2021
In Plagued, John Froude MD has selected eleven of the plagues which have bedevilled mankind throughout history to help describe the relationship between men, animals and pathogens.
This is a fascinating read, technical by its nature, at times terrifying, but always absorbing at the hand of this unassuming natural storyteller. A thoroughly interesting and entertaining read for the steadily growing army of armchair virologists amongst us.
Given the ongoing rapid increase in knowledge of microbes and viruses, has the response to SARS-CoV-2 been better than in previous plagues? Not by much concludes Dr Froude. Even as he owns up to the first thought of ‘Flu’ in early March 2020, he tells us that his ponies of the Apocalypse, riding alongside the horsemen, assist in global spread and that politicians have ‘nearly always got things wrong’, before even considering denial and conspiracy theories.
Just as in novel They Came like Swallows in which William Maxwell details the spread of Spanish Flu in the Mid-West in 1918, the public health response of 100 years ago feels strikingly similar to that of 2020. Always the offset between wealth and health.
This is a fascinating read, technical by its nature, at times terrifying, but always absorbing at the hand of this unassuming natural storyteller. A thoroughly interesting and entertaining read for the steadily growing army of armchair virologists amongst us.
Given the ongoing rapid increase in knowledge of microbes and viruses, has the response to SARS-CoV-2 been better than in previous plagues? Not by much concludes Dr Froude. Even as he owns up to the first thought of ‘Flu’ in early March 2020, he tells us that his ponies of the Apocalypse, riding alongside the horsemen, assist in global spread and that politicians have ‘nearly always got things wrong’, before even considering denial and conspiracy theories.
Just as in novel They Came like Swallows in which William Maxwell details the spread of Spanish Flu in the Mid-West in 1918, the public health response of 100 years ago feels strikingly similar to that of 2020. Always the offset between wealth and health.
May 14, 2021
“Even flies get the plague.”
This is a fascinating book about diseases and pandemics. I loved all the information about outbreaks and diseases, viruses and other outbreaks that I knew little to nothing about. It gave interesting historical information, case information and how we discovered how to "get better" from whatever it was.
But if you are picking this up for COVID-19 information, it's a little light there. The smaller chapter was, again, interesting because it was a firsthand account from the author (and I really appreciated the perspective) but I don't know that it added anything new I didn't already know.
It's easy to read, easy to digest and I really appreciated how the information was given out without getting bogged down in confusing details. I really found this one fascinating!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This is a fascinating book about diseases and pandemics. I loved all the information about outbreaks and diseases, viruses and other outbreaks that I knew little to nothing about. It gave interesting historical information, case information and how we discovered how to "get better" from whatever it was.
But if you are picking this up for COVID-19 information, it's a little light there. The smaller chapter was, again, interesting because it was a firsthand account from the author (and I really appreciated the perspective) but I don't know that it added anything new I didn't already know.
It's easy to read, easy to digest and I really appreciated how the information was given out without getting bogged down in confusing details. I really found this one fascinating!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 1, 2026
***Goodreads Giveaway***
While I enjoy the topic I didn't love this book. It was a bit low on examples and case studies for me. I got the feeling this book was pushed out for publication to hit the pandemic wave. It felt rather slap-dash.
While I enjoy the topic I didn't love this book. It was a bit low on examples and case studies for me. I got the feeling this book was pushed out for publication to hit the pandemic wave. It felt rather slap-dash.
May 19, 2021
Review/Reseña en Español/English
Español
Este libro trata de las diferentes pandemias que han ocurrido en el mundo a lo largo de los años, teniendo un enfoque histórico, social y biológico. Cada capítulo hace referencia a una enfermedad y, a su vez, este es dividido en tres partes; historia, impacto y el microorganismo causal: su fisiología y en algunas instancias mecanismo de acción.
Primeramente, me gustó mucho el comienzo, en cuanto comenzó llamó mi atención y la mantuvo a lo largo del libro. Me agrado que, si bien, presentó un enfoque histórico de cada pandemia no fue lo principal, con esto, la estructura de cada capítulo hacía que la lectura fuera fluida y no aburriera. Debo mencionar, que personalmente no siento que sea necesario tener un alto nivel de conocimiento previo, ya que, lo “complicado” sería la explicación biológica/bioquímica del microorganismo y siento que es explicado de manera clara, pero eso lo dejo a consideración de cada persona.
Explica las bases de inmunología para comprender qué pasa en el cuerpo al ser atacado por microorganismos i.e. virus y bacterias. También, no solo se enfoca en el punto de vista fisiológico sino cómo afecta social y económicamente a la sociedad, considerando puntos de vista religiosos de algunas personas.
Me gustó que hablará la realidad que diferentes razas y etnias han sufrido por la pandemia, haciendo mención especial de la colonización que sufrió América y como los colonizadores trajeron diferentes enfermedades, así como la discriminación racial que han sufrido cientos de asiáticos en América por décadas debido a diversas pandemias, datándose desde la peste negra hasta el día de hoy con el Covid-19. Es muy necesario hablar de cómo el racismo, la ignorancia, pobreza y la avaricia política influye y afecta el control de las pandemias a un nivel global.
De igual forma, se trata la importancia del uso de instrumentos estériles y nuevos en tratamientos, sobre todo el correcto desarrollo de las técnicas de laboratorio. Fue interesante leer cómo la humanidad fue avanzando tecnológicamente y, con esto adquiriendo conocimiento de una gran variedad de microorganismos. Los experimentos realizados, si bien cuestionables, son los que ayudaron en su época a comprender y estudiar los microbios.
Personalmente, mis capítulos favoritos fueron los enfocados a los virus y bacterias, tenía mucha información interesante la cual desconocía, por lo que, fue muy grato aprender algo nuevo. Me encanto la mención de cómo la desinformación afecta en gran medida el curso de las pandemias, creo que actualmente esto ha quedado demasiado claro. Con esto, el autor hace mención de los diferentes tipos de coronavirus y explica de manera general cómo funcionan las vacunas, para personas que no confían en ellas, lo que se rescata de esos capítulos es: actualmente hay una gran variedad de bases de datos; genes, proteínas, investigaciones, etc. Que ayudan a que el conocimiento científico avance aún más y, con la ayuda de las tecnologías biotecnológicas esta tarea se vuelve más fácil y eficiente, en conclusión vacúnense.
Para finalizar, sinceramente entre sin grandes expectativas pero definitivamente me sorprendió, me encantó, el libro es increíble, es bastante completo, educativo y entretenido, definitivamente lo recomiendo.
¿Es este libro para ti?
Perfecto para: Interesados en microbiología, pandemias e historia.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si.
English
This book it's about the different pandemics that have occurred in the world over the years, taking a historical, social, and biological approach. Each chapter refers to a disease and, in turn, this is divided into three parts; history, impact, and the causal microorganism: its physiology and in some instances mechanism of action.
First of all, I really liked the beginning, as soon as it started it caught my attention and kept it throughout the book. I am pleased that, although it presented a historical approach to each pandemic, it wasn't the main point, with this, the structure of each chapter made the reading fluid and not boring. I should mention that personally, I don't feel that it's necessary to have a high level of prior knowledge, since, the "complicated" would be the biological/biochemical explanation of the microorganism and I feel that it's explained very clear, but I leave that to the consideration of each person.
It explains the bases of immunology to understand what happens in the body when attacked by microorganisms i.e. Virus and bacteria. Also, it not only focuses on the physiological point of view but how it affects society socially and economically, considering the religious points of view of some people.
I liked that mentions the reality that different races and ethnic groups have suffered from the pandemic, making special mention of the colonization that America suffered and how the colonizers brought different diseases, as well as the racial discrimination that hundreds of Asians have suffered in America for decades due to various pandemics, dating from the Black Death to the present day with Covid-19. It's necessary to talk about how racism, ignorance, poverty, and political greed influence and affect the control of pandemics on a global level.
In the same way, the importance of the use of sterile and new instruments in treatments is discussed, especially the correct development of laboratory techniques. It was interesting to read how humanity was advancing technologically and, with this, acquiring knowledge of a great variety of microorganisms. The experiments carried out, although questionable, are those that helped to understand and study microbes in their day.
Personally, my favorite chapters were those focused on viruses and bacteria, it had a lot of interesting information which I was unaware of, so it was very pleasant to learn something new. I loved the mention of how misinformation greatly affects the course of pandemics, I think this has become very clear in this age. With this, the author makes mention of the different types of coronavirus and explains in a general way how vaccines work, for people who don't trust them, what is rescued from these chapters is: currently there is a great variety of databases; genes, proteins, research, etc. That helps scientific knowledge to advance even more and, with the help of biotechnological technologies, this task becomes easier and more efficient, in conclusion, get vaccinated.
To finish, I honestly entered without great expectations but it definitely surprised me, I loved it, the book is incredible, it's quite complete, educational, and entertaining, I definitely recommend it.
And as Shi Zhengli said:
Is this book for you?
Perfect for: Interested in microbiology, pandemics, and history.
Do I recommend it? Yes.
My thanks to the author John Froude, BenBella Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to get this ARC for an unbiased review
Español
Este libro trata de las diferentes pandemias que han ocurrido en el mundo a lo largo de los años, teniendo un enfoque histórico, social y biológico. Cada capítulo hace referencia a una enfermedad y, a su vez, este es dividido en tres partes; historia, impacto y el microorganismo causal: su fisiología y en algunas instancias mecanismo de acción.
Primeramente, me gustó mucho el comienzo, en cuanto comenzó llamó mi atención y la mantuvo a lo largo del libro. Me agrado que, si bien, presentó un enfoque histórico de cada pandemia no fue lo principal, con esto, la estructura de cada capítulo hacía que la lectura fuera fluida y no aburriera. Debo mencionar, que personalmente no siento que sea necesario tener un alto nivel de conocimiento previo, ya que, lo “complicado” sería la explicación biológica/bioquímica del microorganismo y siento que es explicado de manera clara, pero eso lo dejo a consideración de cada persona.
Explica las bases de inmunología para comprender qué pasa en el cuerpo al ser atacado por microorganismos i.e. virus y bacterias. También, no solo se enfoca en el punto de vista fisiológico sino cómo afecta social y económicamente a la sociedad, considerando puntos de vista religiosos de algunas personas.
Me gustó que hablará la realidad que diferentes razas y etnias han sufrido por la pandemia, haciendo mención especial de la colonización que sufrió América y como los colonizadores trajeron diferentes enfermedades, así como la discriminación racial que han sufrido cientos de asiáticos en América por décadas debido a diversas pandemias, datándose desde la peste negra hasta el día de hoy con el Covid-19. Es muy necesario hablar de cómo el racismo, la ignorancia, pobreza y la avaricia política influye y afecta el control de las pandemias a un nivel global.
De igual forma, se trata la importancia del uso de instrumentos estériles y nuevos en tratamientos, sobre todo el correcto desarrollo de las técnicas de laboratorio. Fue interesante leer cómo la humanidad fue avanzando tecnológicamente y, con esto adquiriendo conocimiento de una gran variedad de microorganismos. Los experimentos realizados, si bien cuestionables, son los que ayudaron en su época a comprender y estudiar los microbios.
Personalmente, mis capítulos favoritos fueron los enfocados a los virus y bacterias, tenía mucha información interesante la cual desconocía, por lo que, fue muy grato aprender algo nuevo. Me encanto la mención de cómo la desinformación afecta en gran medida el curso de las pandemias, creo que actualmente esto ha quedado demasiado claro. Con esto, el autor hace mención de los diferentes tipos de coronavirus y explica de manera general cómo funcionan las vacunas, para personas que no confían en ellas, lo que se rescata de esos capítulos es: actualmente hay una gran variedad de bases de datos; genes, proteínas, investigaciones, etc. Que ayudan a que el conocimiento científico avance aún más y, con la ayuda de las tecnologías biotecnológicas esta tarea se vuelve más fácil y eficiente, en conclusión vacúnense.
Para finalizar, sinceramente entre sin grandes expectativas pero definitivamente me sorprendió, me encantó, el libro es increíble, es bastante completo, educativo y entretenido, definitivamente lo recomiendo.
¿Es este libro para ti?
Perfecto para: Interesados en microbiología, pandemias e historia.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si.
English
This book it's about the different pandemics that have occurred in the world over the years, taking a historical, social, and biological approach. Each chapter refers to a disease and, in turn, this is divided into three parts; history, impact, and the causal microorganism: its physiology and in some instances mechanism of action.
First of all, I really liked the beginning, as soon as it started it caught my attention and kept it throughout the book. I am pleased that, although it presented a historical approach to each pandemic, it wasn't the main point, with this, the structure of each chapter made the reading fluid and not boring. I should mention that personally, I don't feel that it's necessary to have a high level of prior knowledge, since, the "complicated" would be the biological/biochemical explanation of the microorganism and I feel that it's explained very clear, but I leave that to the consideration of each person.
It explains the bases of immunology to understand what happens in the body when attacked by microorganisms i.e. Virus and bacteria. Also, it not only focuses on the physiological point of view but how it affects society socially and economically, considering the religious points of view of some people.
I liked that mentions the reality that different races and ethnic groups have suffered from the pandemic, making special mention of the colonization that America suffered and how the colonizers brought different diseases, as well as the racial discrimination that hundreds of Asians have suffered in America for decades due to various pandemics, dating from the Black Death to the present day with Covid-19. It's necessary to talk about how racism, ignorance, poverty, and political greed influence and affect the control of pandemics on a global level.
In the same way, the importance of the use of sterile and new instruments in treatments is discussed, especially the correct development of laboratory techniques. It was interesting to read how humanity was advancing technologically and, with this, acquiring knowledge of a great variety of microorganisms. The experiments carried out, although questionable, are those that helped to understand and study microbes in their day.
Personally, my favorite chapters were those focused on viruses and bacteria, it had a lot of interesting information which I was unaware of, so it was very pleasant to learn something new. I loved the mention of how misinformation greatly affects the course of pandemics, I think this has become very clear in this age. With this, the author makes mention of the different types of coronavirus and explains in a general way how vaccines work, for people who don't trust them, what is rescued from these chapters is: currently there is a great variety of databases; genes, proteins, research, etc. That helps scientific knowledge to advance even more and, with the help of biotechnological technologies, this task becomes easier and more efficient, in conclusion, get vaccinated.
Literate educated societies behaved in the 21st century as illiterate uneducated societies did in the 17th. Man, the impossible primate, must understand that compulsions to denial, tribalism, xenophobia, conspiracy theories, and scapegoating in a plague will only increase the number who die.
To finish, I honestly entered without great expectations but it definitely surprised me, I loved it, the book is incredible, it's quite complete, educational, and entertaining, I definitely recommend it.
And as Shi Zhengli said:
It was nature punishing the uncivilized habits and customs of humans.
Is this book for you?
Perfect for: Interested in microbiology, pandemics, and history.
Do I recommend it? Yes.
My thanks to the author John Froude, BenBella Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to get this ARC for an unbiased review
June 25, 2022
Superficial survey of many different infectious diseases. Could be useful as an introduction.
Alternatives:
Rats, Lice, and History: Being a Study in Biography, Which, After Twelve Preliminary Chapters Indispensable for the Preparation of the Lay Reader, Deals With the Life History of Typhus Fever Evolution of Infectious Disease
Investigating Disease Patterns: The Science of Epidemiology
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
The Great Manchurian Plague of 1910-1911: The Geopolitics of an Epidemic Disease
Alternatives:
Rats, Lice, and History: Being a Study in Biography, Which, After Twelve Preliminary Chapters Indispensable for the Preparation of the Lay Reader, Deals With the Life History of Typhus Fever Evolution of Infectious Disease
Investigating Disease Patterns: The Science of Epidemiology
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
The Great Manchurian Plague of 1910-1911: The Geopolitics of an Epidemic Disease
July 16, 2021
Since COVID-19 looks like it will be endemic, I thought it would be useful to know a bit more about pandemics in general. Which is why the book Plagued by John Froude attracted my attention – I thought it would be useful.
As its title says, Plagued is a book about plagues and it covers:
- The Black Death (Bubonic Plague)
- Cholera
- Typhus
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
- Malaria
- Smallpox
- Yellow Fever
- Spanish Flu
- HIV
- West Nile Virus/Zika/Ebola (this is all one chapter)
- SARS, MERS, COVID-19 (this is all one chapter)
Each chapter contains an overview of what caused the particular plague and how it broke out/its impact on the human population. Where relevant, the author added his own experience – for example, treating patients with cholera and his experience with COVID-19 (this was a whole chapter by itself). There’s also a lot of interesting facts inside; I didn’t know that India had practiced inoculation for a thousand years!
For the most part, each chapter is relatively short and it feels like a lot of information is being packed inside. While I generally appreciated the overview, I did think that the book just skipped over things at times – for example, as someone who remembers how scary SARS was for my country, the sentence stating that “it came and went” irked me a little. It might have just come and gone for people in the West, but I distinctly remember schools in Singapore shutting down over it. It also affected a few other countries, mostly in Asia, but it was definitely a big thing to us.
Another thing I noticed about the book was that the chapters seemed to be relatively self-contained. While that allowed me to dip in and out of the book as I wanted, it also meant that the book felt a bit disjointed at times, like a collection of essays around the same theme. I had thought it would increase my general understandings of plagues and pandemics, so this was a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, this is an interesting book that provides a good overview of some of the most famous plagues that have affected us. If you’re interested in reading about any of the above pandemics, you may be interested in picking up this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but all opinions in this book are my own.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
As its title says, Plagued is a book about plagues and it covers:
- The Black Death (Bubonic Plague)
- Cholera
- Typhus
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
- Malaria
- Smallpox
- Yellow Fever
- Spanish Flu
- HIV
- West Nile Virus/Zika/Ebola (this is all one chapter)
- SARS, MERS, COVID-19 (this is all one chapter)
Each chapter contains an overview of what caused the particular plague and how it broke out/its impact on the human population. Where relevant, the author added his own experience – for example, treating patients with cholera and his experience with COVID-19 (this was a whole chapter by itself). There’s also a lot of interesting facts inside; I didn’t know that India had practiced inoculation for a thousand years!
For the most part, each chapter is relatively short and it feels like a lot of information is being packed inside. While I generally appreciated the overview, I did think that the book just skipped over things at times – for example, as someone who remembers how scary SARS was for my country, the sentence stating that “it came and went” irked me a little. It might have just come and gone for people in the West, but I distinctly remember schools in Singapore shutting down over it. It also affected a few other countries, mostly in Asia, but it was definitely a big thing to us.
Another thing I noticed about the book was that the chapters seemed to be relatively self-contained. While that allowed me to dip in and out of the book as I wanted, it also meant that the book felt a bit disjointed at times, like a collection of essays around the same theme. I had thought it would increase my general understandings of plagues and pandemics, so this was a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, this is an interesting book that provides a good overview of some of the most famous plagues that have affected us. If you’re interested in reading about any of the above pandemics, you may be interested in picking up this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but all opinions in this book are my own.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
July 14, 2021
3 Stars
I would like to thank NetGalley, and BenBella books for my complimentary copy of "Plagued: Pandemics from the Black Death to COVID-19 and Beyond". I enjoyed this book even though it was a little more science based than I am used to reading. The book provides an in-depth overview of how pandemics have changed and shaped humanity throughout the world over the years.
I have read a lot books focused on COVID-19 and the isolation surrounding our present pandemic. This book was a refreshing change and focused more on the viruses and pandemics themselves as opposed to the impact directly imposed on us through isolation.
I particularly enjoyed the many Shakespeare quotes and poetry sections throughout the book. It was an additional bonus for readers in a book with a scientific nature.
If you enjoy stories about the science and the history of pandemics this book is definitely for you.
I would like to thank NetGalley, and BenBella books for my complimentary copy of "Plagued: Pandemics from the Black Death to COVID-19 and Beyond". I enjoyed this book even though it was a little more science based than I am used to reading. The book provides an in-depth overview of how pandemics have changed and shaped humanity throughout the world over the years.
I have read a lot books focused on COVID-19 and the isolation surrounding our present pandemic. This book was a refreshing change and focused more on the viruses and pandemics themselves as opposed to the impact directly imposed on us through isolation.
I particularly enjoyed the many Shakespeare quotes and poetry sections throughout the book. It was an additional bonus for readers in a book with a scientific nature.
If you enjoy stories about the science and the history of pandemics this book is definitely for you.
May 23, 2021
Fascinating. I’d describe this book as having an interdisciplinary approach, leading readers through biology & history. Its use of first-person account, especially in the COVID section, is powerful too.
I read wanting to learn, and I think that theme of learning, education, anchors the book.
Thanks to author Dr. John Froude, BenBella Books & Goodreads Giveaways for my copy.
I read wanting to learn, and I think that theme of learning, education, anchors the book.
Thanks to author Dr. John Froude, BenBella Books & Goodreads Giveaways for my copy.
July 15, 2024
A lot of really interesting information in this book and it feels we'll never be free of plagues. :(
August 5, 2021
What role have viruses, bacteria, epidemics and pandemics played, have played and will play in the evolution of our species? Are politics and science able to stop them, or are they a worse remedy than the evil? This and much more in this text of extreme scientific rigour, historically documented and written in such a way as to be a real fun for the reader. A text that one would like to carve on the foreheads of the various negationists and plotters, and of politicians capable of speaking to the gut but usually lacking in brains, so that they might read its words every morning and, who knows, sooner or later learn something.
March 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book because it was fascinating to learn about the plagues of the past and what measures were taken to protect the population, how they began, what the possible cause was and what can be learned from the way they were handled. It was also very interesting to see that viruses play not just a negative role in the lives of man/womankind but actually have some positive aspects. Then I got to the chapters relating to Covid-19. This book was written in 2021 when we were still seeing a rise in cases due to a new variant so John Froude can be forgiven for working only with the knowledge we had at that time. However, his adamant refusal to even consider that it may have been a manmade virus cooked up in the Wuhan Lab was a bit arrogant. Here we are in March of 2023 and the latest investigations seem to point to Covid indeed being a lab-based virus. His negative comments about President Trump also angered me quite a bit. Trump was taking advice from Dr. Anthony Fauci at that time and heaven knows Fauci was wrong more than right. Asking questions regarding a new virus that has caused businesses to close, students to lose months of learning and people to be forced to mask and take a vaccine that really did not prevent the illness at all is not being a "conspiracy theorist". It is being rational. We now know that masks did not help, the vaccine does not keep you from getting Covid-19 and that natural immunity may actually be more protective than the vaccine. Once again we are reminded that the arrogance of medical professionals knows no bounds. I found the chapters about his own involvement in treating Covid patients had a bit of an "I'm a Hero" sound to it. Way too many people got out ahead of themselves during this outbreak. Bad decisions were made by people who really should have known better or at least been more skeptical. Recklessness abounded not only among those not in the medical field, but those in it as well. I think a little more humility on the part of those who "had to work"(while they envisioned those who were told to "stay home, stay safe" enjoying a wonderful vacation) is in order. Those who could not work were facing serious consequences and many watched as their businesses collapsed. I don't view anyone as being a "hero" in this nightmare, but I do believe there were many swollen egos and Dr. Froude is one of them.
June 9, 2021
I received a free e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Plagued, by John Froude, is the exact kind of popular science book that I like. I've always found infectious diseases kind of fascinating, and in another life, I would have been a medical researcher. Alas, the best laid plans and all that.
Plagued is a book about pathogens. It is about the science behind them, the effects they have had on human history, and about human's responses to them, including how to treat and prevent them. Twelve of the chapters focus on a specific pathogen: cholera, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, typhus, bubonic plague, smallpox, yellow fever, HIV, Spanish flu, zika/ebola, and COVID-19.
I found the writing easy to read, and the exploration of different pathogens absolutely fascinating. I also appreciated how there was a chapter about COVID, although I think that it would be appropriate to include an update in future versions of the book in a few years time.
On the whole, a great read. I look forward to purchasing a copy for myself when it is published.
Plagued, by John Froude, is the exact kind of popular science book that I like. I've always found infectious diseases kind of fascinating, and in another life, I would have been a medical researcher. Alas, the best laid plans and all that.
Plagued is a book about pathogens. It is about the science behind them, the effects they have had on human history, and about human's responses to them, including how to treat and prevent them. Twelve of the chapters focus on a specific pathogen: cholera, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, typhus, bubonic plague, smallpox, yellow fever, HIV, Spanish flu, zika/ebola, and COVID-19.
I found the writing easy to read, and the exploration of different pathogens absolutely fascinating. I also appreciated how there was a chapter about COVID, although I think that it would be appropriate to include an update in future versions of the book in a few years time.
On the whole, a great read. I look forward to purchasing a copy for myself when it is published.
August 12, 2021
In Plagued: Pandemics from the Black Death to COVID-19 and Beyond John Froude explains the history and the science of infectious disease. This is one of those books that presents science within the context of the other aspects of life, history, literature, and the personal aspects of scientific research.
My interest in this book, like so many others, was increased because of our current struggles with COVID. I have a basic understanding of the science from various courses but haven't really looked at the history of pandemics as a whole. I was prepared to be a little bored with the book because I felt it was important to understand this. Froude not only kept from boring me but made the science understandable, relevant to everyday life, and interesting with plenty of people-centered stories.
I would highly recommend this not only to those who enjoy science books but also those who are hesitant to read a book about science. The information is not dumbed down but rather explained in ways that make it accessible for many more readers.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Goodreads.
My interest in this book, like so many others, was increased because of our current struggles with COVID. I have a basic understanding of the science from various courses but haven't really looked at the history of pandemics as a whole. I was prepared to be a little bored with the book because I felt it was important to understand this. Froude not only kept from boring me but made the science understandable, relevant to everyday life, and interesting with plenty of people-centered stories.
I would highly recommend this not only to those who enjoy science books but also those who are hesitant to read a book about science. The information is not dumbed down but rather explained in ways that make it accessible for many more readers.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Goodreads.
July 22, 2021
Packed with information yet fun to read…
I know, I can hear you. How can a book about the plague – about pandemics – possibly be fun to read? I’m not sure either but this author found a way. The information presented was done in a way that had me hooked. Like a whodunit, it was dense with details but told conversationally, with illustrations that were equally inviting…
This book covered the centuries, the gamut of so many different afflictions that struck humanity over the years. From bubonic plague to Covid-19 (though light on that last topic), each topic details included disease origin and the profound effect they had on lives and society. Told from his medical perspective, it brought warmth and humanness to a topic that affected life profoundly but otherwise may have been a solid but dense read.
If you are looking for details, you will find them here. Don’t look for a dry, textbook-y read though – you will not find it that here.
*I happily reviewed this read
**Thank you to NetGalley
I know, I can hear you. How can a book about the plague – about pandemics – possibly be fun to read? I’m not sure either but this author found a way. The information presented was done in a way that had me hooked. Like a whodunit, it was dense with details but told conversationally, with illustrations that were equally inviting…
This book covered the centuries, the gamut of so many different afflictions that struck humanity over the years. From bubonic plague to Covid-19 (though light on that last topic), each topic details included disease origin and the profound effect they had on lives and society. Told from his medical perspective, it brought warmth and humanness to a topic that affected life profoundly but otherwise may have been a solid but dense read.
If you are looking for details, you will find them here. Don’t look for a dry, textbook-y read though – you will not find it that here.
*I happily reviewed this read
**Thank you to NetGalley
June 5, 2021
#Plagued #NetGalley
This is a very good book describing about the 12 pathogen types that have devastated mankind in the past and present. The author brought us back in time when and where each of these pathogens were discovered, and how it goes on to infect so many people in the world. The author who is a medical doctor also describes his experiences in treating patients infected with some of these pathogens; particularly the current SARS-CoV-2. I like the last part where the author discusses about the biology of how the microbes co-evolve with us human hosts where our genome bears signature of the viral genome, and it’s never the intention of the microbes to wipe out the entire human population as they need us to replicate themselves. This is a good book highly recommended to those who are interested to know more about the pathogens and pandemic, especially now that we are going through on.
This is a very good book describing about the 12 pathogen types that have devastated mankind in the past and present. The author brought us back in time when and where each of these pathogens were discovered, and how it goes on to infect so many people in the world. The author who is a medical doctor also describes his experiences in treating patients infected with some of these pathogens; particularly the current SARS-CoV-2. I like the last part where the author discusses about the biology of how the microbes co-evolve with us human hosts where our genome bears signature of the viral genome, and it’s never the intention of the microbes to wipe out the entire human population as they need us to replicate themselves. This is a good book highly recommended to those who are interested to know more about the pathogens and pandemic, especially now that we are going through on.
April 19, 2021
Brilliant look at pandemics from an insider
I loved this book. Dr. Froude writes with a conversational tone while explaining scientific ideas very plainly. He also adds in the occasional priceless gems that I would read multiple times, they were so good. As Dr. Froude is an infectious disease specialist, he brings his own experiences to the story, creating an interesting bond between author and reader. The chapter “Dispatches from Pandemicville: COVID-19” and Froude’s experiences is particularly evocative. I generally skim over the Acknowledgements section of books, but this one I read carefully. The paragraph on nurses is particularly important. Overall, this is a brilliant book that is well worth the read. Thank you to Netgalley and BenBella Books for the advance reader copy.
I loved this book. Dr. Froude writes with a conversational tone while explaining scientific ideas very plainly. He also adds in the occasional priceless gems that I would read multiple times, they were so good. As Dr. Froude is an infectious disease specialist, he brings his own experiences to the story, creating an interesting bond between author and reader. The chapter “Dispatches from Pandemicville: COVID-19” and Froude’s experiences is particularly evocative. I generally skim over the Acknowledgements section of books, but this one I read carefully. The paragraph on nurses is particularly important. Overall, this is a brilliant book that is well worth the read. Thank you to Netgalley and BenBella Books for the advance reader copy.
June 23, 2021
Among my set of friends and family members, I am known as a science nerd. For example, when my husband asked what i was reading and I told him, he said, "Yeah, that sounds like something you would enjoy." They're not wrong. I am a science nerd. I am fascinated by Medical history especially. I was enthralled the entire time I was reading this book. It was not dry or long-winded (as many medical history books tend to be). I enjoyed learning about the different types of pathogens humans have had to survive and still have to fight to this day. The COVID 19 pandemic was a perfect time for this book to come out. While there wasn't a great deal of information about the current panademicm (as little was known at the time), it was touched upon and I imagine more will be added in later editions.
April 5, 2021
From infectious diseases to Covid-19. How they come about, how they are transmitted globally and how we can better protect ourselves and loved ones. Valuable information for one and all. Thankyou Goodreads for this free book.
April 25, 2021
A good introduction to some of the pandemics that have struck humans, including the SARS CoV 2 pandemic. The author also shares some of his experiences working in a New York hospital during 2020. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
July 21, 2021
Having read a handful of books about plagues (a fascination of mine well before COVID) Ifound this to be one of my favorite plague books. A nice balance of science and narrative makes it easy and fascinating to read.
October 9, 2021
One of the best about plagues, what we know, and how we react (learn and unlearn) in response. Realizaing that Cotton Mather was taunted for wanting people to get vaccinated against smallpox, we glimpse our own times.
November 13, 2021
This is a very interesting book. Some of the viruses are gross.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
interesant, cam 3,5 stele...
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