Books Like...
'The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History' by John M. Barry delves into the 1918 Influenza pandemic, providing a detailed account of the outbreak, its impact, and the societal responses. The author skillfully weaves together historical facts, scientific insights, and personal narratives, offering a comprehensive look at the devastating effects of the virus. Barry's writing style is described as dense with facts, backed up by an extensive bibliography and footnotes section, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. not only covers the medical aspects of the pandemic but also explores the societal breakdown, consequences of poor policy decisions, and the challenges faced by scientists and researchers during that time.
If you liked The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'The Coming Plague' by Laurie Garrett is a work of non-fiction that delves into emergent diseases, offering a comprehensive exploration of infectious diseases. The book combines epidemiology with personal narratives, history, and discussions on the challenges faced by post-colonial nations. Garrett's writing style is described as dense, sciencey, and very interesting, providing extensive information, footnotes, and insights into the world of infectious diseases.
For Western physicians, the 1950s and 1960s were a time of tremendous optimism. Nearly every week the medical establishment declared another “miracle breakthrough” in humanity’s war with infectious di..."Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How it Changed the World" by Laura Spinney is a gripping account of the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Spinney delves into the history of the flu, tracing its origins and impact on various countries around the world. She skillfully balances scientific explanations with storytelling, making the descriptions of the flu graphic yet engaging. covers the spread of the Spanish Flu, its three waves, and how it affected different aspects of society, from healthcare to art.
‘In Bangkok,’ wrote the British journalist, Richard Collier, ‘the British Embassy’s doctor, T. Heyward Heys, noted with dismay that almost all his prize roses had withered and died.’ Owls came mysteri...- #3
Save:"The Demon In The Freezer" by Richard Preston delves into the history and science behind deadly viruses like smallpox and anthrax, shedding light on the threats posed by bioterrorism. Through compelling narratives and detailed accounts, the author emphasizes the collaborative efforts of humans in combating these diseases, highlighting the political, ethical, and scientific aspects related to these deadly viruses. Preston's writing style weaves together stories, politics, and science, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the catastrophic consequences of bioterrorism and the importance of being prepared for such threats.
IN THE EARLY NINETEEN SEVENTIES, a British photo retoucher named Robert Stevens arrived in south Florida to take a job at the National Enquirer, which is published in Palm Beach County. At the time, p... 'Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic' by David Quammen explores the history of outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, focusing on how diseases in animals cross over into humans. The author delves into the factors influencing the transmission of these diseases and how scientists track down the cause of individual outbreaks. Quammen's writing style is described as engaging, informative, and even humorous at times, making complex scientific topics accessible to readers. covers a wide range of zoonotic viruses, such as HIV, Ebola, SARS, and more, providing insights into the potential for future pandemics due to the ongoing destruction of habitats.
The virus now known as Hendra wasn’t the first of the scary new bugs. It wasn’t the worst. Compared to some others, it seems relatively minor. Its mortal impact, in numerical terms, was small at the s...- #5
Save:'The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time' by John Kelly is a detailed account of the Black Death in the 14th century. The author delves into the devastating impact of the plague, tracing its origins in Asia and its spread through Europe. Kelly provides a comprehensive exploration of the social, economic, and political effects of the Black Death, highlighting the day-to-day struggles of individuals during this catastrophic time period. weaves together historical facts with personal narratives, offering a vivid portrayal of the horrors faced by people living through the plague.
FEODOSIYA SITS ON THE EASTERN COAST OF THE CRIMEA, A RECTANGULAR spit of land where the Eurasian steppe stops to dip its toe into the Black Sea. Today the city is a rusty wasteland of post-Soviet deca... - #6
Save:"The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic?and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World" by Steven Johnson tells the story of the cholera outbreak in London that was investigated by Dr. James Snow and Henry Whitehead. The book describes the progression of the outbreak and the groundbreaking investigation that revolutionized the field of epidemiology. Johnson's writing style combines historical accounts with scientific explanations, delving into the social history of Victorian England and exploring the battle between competing scientific and medical explanations of cholera.
The book provides a detailed account of the 1854 cholera epidemic in London, highlighting the efforts of Dr. John Snow and Henry Whitehead in linking cholera to infected drinking water. Johnson's narrative weaves together the scientific discoveries, social implications, and modern-day parallels of the epidemic, offering insights into the vulnerability of cities and the importance of public health measures. Despite some readers finding the book's ending somewhat preachy or repetitive, the overall storytelling and historical significance of the events make it a compelling read.
IT IS AUGUST 1854, AND LONDON IS A CITY OF SCAVENGERS. Just the names alone read now like some kind of exotic zoological catalogue: bone-pickers, rag-gatherers, pure-finders, dredgermen, mud-larks, se... - #7
Save:"Crisis in the Red Zone" by Richard Preston delves into the harrowing account of the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, particularly focusing on the 2014 epidemic in West Africa. Readers describe the writing style as gripping and novel-like, making it an engaging read for both those in the medical field and general audiences. The author's detailed narrative provides insight into the high stakes and real-life medical challenges faced during the outbreak, showcasing a great grasp on drama and storytelling.
The rains had begun. The nights were clamorous with downpours, and malaria troubled the villages. On the ninth of September, 1976, a woman named Sembo Ndobe arrived at the maternity ward of the hospit... - #8
Save:'The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus' by Richard Preston is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the origins and spread of the Ebola virus. The author presents the narrative in a thrilling and suspenseful manner, akin to a mystery novel, which captivates readers from the very first page. Through graphic descriptions and real-life accounts, Preston paints a terrifying picture of the deadly virus, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the potential implications of such outbreaks. The book explores the history of Ebola, detailing past incidents and outbreaks, while also shedding light on the scientific research and efforts to combat the virus.
The writing style of Richard Preston in 'The Hot Zone' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, making it a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author effectively combines factual information about viruses and infectious diseases with a narrative that reads like fiction, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for a wide audience. By providing a detailed account of the Ebola virus and its impact on individuals and communities, Preston creates a sense of urgency and suspense that drives the story forward, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Charles Monet was a loner. He was a Frenchman who lived by himself in a little wooden bungalow on the private lands of the Nzoia Sugar Factory, a plantation in western Kenya that spread along the Nzoi... 'Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them' by Jennifer Wright is an entertaining and informative exploration of historic plagues. The author covers a wide range of plagues throughout history, delving into their symptoms, cures, societal reactions, and the individuals who played a role in fighting them. Wright's writing style is engaging, mixing humor with detailed research to present a fascinating look at diseases like the Bubonic Plague, leprosy, cholera, and more. The book also addresses the personal and societal impacts of these plagues, offering a blend of educational content and entertaining storytelling.
Wright's narrative is both humorous and insightful, making a grim topic like plagues surprisingly entertaining. She skillfully weaves together facts, anecdotes, and historical context, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the impact of diseases throughout history. The book is not only educational but also thought-provoking, highlighting the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of deadly outbreaks, while also shedding light on the failures and triumphs in combating these plagues.
Every so often—frequently when consenting adults are reported to be having sex in some manner that would have been banned in the Victorian age—a TV commentator will shake his head and discuss how this...'And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic' by Randy Shilts chronicles the HIV AIDS epidemic, highlighting the journey from a mysterious malady affecting urban gay males to a full-blown worldwide health crisis. The narrative delves into the role of economics and ego in shaping the reactions of institutions like blood banks and researchers, showcasing how the government, health authorities, and scientists prioritized budgetary concerns, political expediency, and national prestige over public health and saving lives. Through detailed and character-centered storytelling, the book portrays a devastating account of the early days of the AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the political, social, and medical challenges faced during that time.
Tall sails scraped the deep purple night as rockets burst, flared, and flourished red, white, and blue over the stoic Statue of Liberty. The whole world was watching, it seemed; the whole world was th...
