Unlike other books on epidemics, which either focus on the science
behind how microbes cause disease or tell first-person accounts of one
particular disease, Epidemics: The Impact of Germs and Their Power over
Humanity takes a holistic approach to explaining how these diseases
have shaped who we are as a society. Each of the worst epidemic diseases
is discussed from the perspective of how it has been a causative agent
of change with respect to our history, religious traditions, social
interactions, and technology. In looking at world history through the
lens of epidemic diseases, readers will come to appreciate how much we
owe to our oldest and smallest parasites.
Adults and students interested in science and history--and especially
anyone who appreciates a good story and has a healthy curiosity for the
lesser-known facts of life--will find this book of interest. Health-care
workers will also benefit greatly from this text, as will college
students majoring in biology or a pre-health field.