Epidemics and the Modern World

Review

"This is a most welcome, student-friendly textbook on the history of human disease since the Black Death. Alive to the many issues surrounding disease history, Epidemics and the Modern World is a smoothly readable text, complemented by many documents, maps, and images. Hammond’s book will make it a lot easier to teach the subject." -- J.R. McNeill, Georgetown University

"Engaging to read, Epidemics and the Modern World uses fascinating stories to appeal to students and teachers, weaving together global modernity and disease. The inclusion of Science Focus workshops is an innovative way to explore evolving medical understandings of disease to humanities and social science students. Visually appealing, this is going to be a popular textbook."　 -- Esyllt Jones, University of Manitoba


Product Description

Epidemics and the Modern World explores the relationships between epidemics and key themes in modern history. Our institutions, colonial structures, relationships to animals, and perceptions of suffering, sexuality, race, and disability have all shaped – and been shaped by – these significant medical events.

This book uses "biographies" of epidemics such as plague, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS to explore the impact of disease on the development of modern societies from the fourteenth century to the present. Drawing on the most recent science of genetics, microbiology, and climatology, this text includes "Science Focus" boxes that discuss important scientific concepts and technologies. Structured workshop sections with engaging primary sources help readers develop skills of interpretation and gain knowledge of key historical events.

Epidemics and the Modern World assumes no prior experience with the history of science or medicine and is accessible for undergraduate students, while its challenging approach to the history of the modern world will engage readers of all levels and all interests.

Review

"This is a most welcome, student-friendly textbook on the history of human disease since the Black Death. Alive to the many issues surrounding disease history, Epidemics and the Modern World is a smoothly readable text, complemented by many documents, maps, and images. Hammond’s book will make it a lot easier to teach the subject." (J.R. McNeill, Georgetown University)

"Engaging to read, Epidemics and the Modern World uses fascinating stories to appeal to students and teachers, weaving together global modernity and disease. The inclusion of Science Focus workshops is an innovative way to explore evolving medical understandings of disease to humanities and social science students. Visually appealing, this is going to be a popular textbook."　 (Esyllt Jones, University of Manitoba)


About the Author

Mitchell L Hammond is a professor in the Department of History at the University of Victoria.