Epidemics and Society: From the Black Death to the Present

A "brilliant and sobering" (Paul Kennedy, Wall Street Journal) look at the history and human costs of pandemic outbreaks, as seen on "60 Minutes". This sweeping exploration of the impact of epidemic diseases looks at how mass infectious outbreaks have shaped society, from the Black Death to today, and in a new preface addresses the global threat of COVID-19.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 24 April 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

A captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the history and profound human costs of pandemic outbreaks, as featured on "60 Minutes."

This remarkable book, acclaimed by Paul Kennedy of the Wall Street Journal as "brilliant and sobering," serves as an essential guide for gaining context on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Spanning a vast expanse of time, from the devastating Black Death to the present day, this comprehensive examination delves into the profound impact of epidemic diseases on society. In a new preface, Frank M. Snowden addresses the global threat posed by COVID-19, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and resilience.

Written in a clear and accessible style, Snowden unveils the intricate ways in which diseases have shaped not only medical science and public health but also art, religion, intellectual history, and warfare. This multidisciplinary and comparative study explores the medical and social aspects of major epidemics, touching upon themes such as the evolution of medical therapy, plague literature, poverty, environmental factors, and mass hysteria.

In addition to providing a historical perspective on diseases like smallpox, cholera, and tuberculosis, Snowden delves into the aftermath of recent epidemics like HIV/AIDS, SARS, and Ebola, raising important questions about global preparedness for future health crises.

This essential read offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between disease, society, and human resilience, inspiring us to confront the challenges of our time with wisdom, compassion, and foresight.

Weight: 956g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300256390