The Power of Plagues

by Irwin W. Sherman

A fascinating examination of epidemic diseases within a historical context. • Describes the nature and evolution of diseases.• Explains how scientists discovered the causes of infectious diseases and outlines how controls were developed.• Examines the interrelationship between plagues and culture and details the ways this shaped the traditions and institutions of Western civilization.• Highlights current epidemics such as AIDS, cholera, tuberculosis, influenza, West Nile virus, mad cow disease, and others.• Addresses the public’s curiosity with outbreaks and diseases of public health concern.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Medical, Biology, Medicine

431 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2005

Reviews

[Gregory Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little light (lol) reading I did for this semester, an excellent overview of disease writ large, as well as profiles on individual killers and the biological and social impact they caused. I wish they had spent more time on some of the social side of things.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could see building a class around this

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. Lost a star because it periodically uses outdated language that comes off offensive. And the section on AIDS seemed a little homophobic at times

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder if this is a textbook for a class about the importance and influence of diseases? It is shaped like one, rather large with really good illustrations (scary ones, some of them). If you have any interest in the really important diseases that lost battles and wars, stopped conquerors and settlers and held back entire peoples from developing into modern societies, read this book! Well researched, covering all of the controversies and scientifically clear, this book traces the diseases and how they attack the body, then traces the history of the diseases and how they influenced the global history of mankind. Readable and fascinating!!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I favored the layout of this book immensely. Each chapter began with interesting epidemic stories and other attention-grabbing details. Many pages later I actually wanted to know more scientific details on the pathogen. Textbooks should be laid out like this--tell the interesting story first and then the stuff that would otherwise be boring.

[Chungys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that takes the reader through a number of plagues that have changed the course of human
society. I especially enjoyed the historical aspects of the plagues and how they affected human civilization.

[Krystle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical context about the evoution of epidemics and disease origins

[Mills College Library]

616.9 S5533 2017