J
Jonathan KennedyScience · World War I
Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues
Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues
- Pages
- 304
- Published
- 2023
- Language
- English
Synopsis
Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues is a sweeping macro-history that argues infectious diseases have been among the most powerful, overlooked drivers of human history. Drawing on evidence from epidemiology and medicine alongside political and economic records, Jonathan Kennedy traces how eight major epidemics—including the Black Death, smallpox, cholera, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19—reshaped empires, fueled social movements, altered labor markets, and fundamentally reshaped the modern world.
How it reads
- Writing4.0
- Impact4.0
- Ideas5.0
- Logic4.0
- Clarity3.0
Prose complexity 5/10
Readers say (1)Slow · Dense · Dark · Gritty · Creepy
Genres
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
Does this book require a background in epidemiology or history to understand?
The narrative is written for a general audience and does not assume prior specialized knowledge in medicine or historical theory. It focuses on synthesizing research from diverse fields like genetics and anthropology to explain broad historical shifts rather than technical scientific processes.
How does the author support the claim that germs shaped human history?
The book draws on a wide range of evidence including archaeological findings, economic records, and genetic studies to illustrate how infectious diseases acted as catalysts for major societal changes. It specifically examines how pathogens influenced the rise of world religions, the transition from feudalism to capitalism, and the outcomes of colonial expansion.