This book covers the history of twelve important diseases and addresses public health responses and societal upheavals.



● Chronicles the ways disease outbreaks shaped traditions and institutions of Western civilization.



● Explains the effects, causes, and outcomes from past epidemics.



● Describes a dozen diseases to show how disease control either was achieved or failed.



● Makes clear the interrelationship between diseases and history.



● Presents material in a compelling, clear, and jargon-free prose for a wide audience.



● Provides a picture of the best practices for dealing with disease outbreaks.