The Plague Cycle: The Unending War Between Humanity and Infectious Disease

A sweeping and "fact-filled" (Booklist, starred review) history of humanity's battles with infectious disease that contextualizes the COVID-19 pandemic—for readers of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Yuval Hararis' Sapiens and John Barry's The Great Influenza. Over the past five millennia, the cycle of plagues has set the tempo of civilizational growth and decline, but the unprecedented hygiene and medical revolutions of the past two centuries have allowed humanity to free itself from the hold of epidemic cycles. However, our development has recently become precarious due to climate and population fluctuations, global trade, and other factors. The Plague Cycle reveals the relationship between civilization, globalization, prosperity, and infectious disease and charts humanity's remarkable progress, providing a fascinating and astute look at the cyclical nature of infectious disease.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

A captivating, comprehensive, and meticulously researched account of humanity's ongoing battles with infectious diseases, The Plague Cycle offers a profound and contextualized perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing upon the rich tapestry of human history. Spanning a staggering five millennia, this sweeping narrative delves into the intricate interplay between civilization, globalization, prosperity, and the ever-present threat of infectious diseases.

From the earliest recorded instances of epidemics to the modern-day challenges posed by global health crises, The Plague Cycle provides a rich and detailed exploration of the complex dynamics that have shaped our world. Through a fusion of history, economics, and public health, the book charts humanity's remarkable progress, highlighting the triumphs and setbacks that have defined our collective journey.

One of the key themes that emerges from The Plague Cycle is the profound impact that infectious diseases have had on the size and vitality of cities, economies, and empires throughout history. In the past, plagues were a regular occurrence, sweeping through communities and disrupting lives and livelihoods. However, the unprecedented hygiene and medical revolutions of the past two centuries have allowed humanity to break free from the grip of epidemic cycles, resulting in an urbanized, globalized, and unimaginably wealthy world.

However, our development has recently become precarious. Climate and population fluctuations, as well as factors such as global trade, have left us more vulnerable than ever to newly emerging plagues. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly demonstrated the urgent need for greater global cooperation toward sustainable health, with millions of lives and trillions of dollars at stake.

The Plague Cycle offers a timely and lucid look at the role of pandemics in history, shedding light on the complex relationships that have shaped our world. It explores the historical, economic, and public health factors that have contributed to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and highlights the strategies and interventions that have been employed to mitigate their impact.

Through a series of engaging narratives and expert analysis, The Plague Cycle provides a fascinating and astute perspective on the cyclical nature of infectious disease. It challenges our assumptions and preconceptions about the origins and consequences of pandemics, and encourages us to consider the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to their emergence and persistence.

In conclusion, The Plague Cycle is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history, implications, and future of infectious diseases. It offers a comprehensive and contextualized perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing a rich and detailed exploration of the past five millennia of human history. By harnessing the power of history, economics, and public health, the book charts humanity's remarkable progress, highlighting the triumphs and setbacks that have defined our collective journey. As we navigate the challenges of the present and future, The Plague Cycle serves as a valuable guide and inspiration for building a more resilient and sustainable world.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 189 x 273 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982165345