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Howard Markel
Howard Markel writes on history, science, and health, with titles such as The Secret of Life and Origin Story. He also offers practical advice in books like What, How and Why of Your Child's Health.
When Germs Travel
Synopsis
A physician and medical historian provides an analysis of six major epidemics that have devastated America since 1900--including such threats as tuberculosis, typhus, and AIDS--looking at the nation's response to the pathogens; explaining why globalization, social upheaval, and international trade leave us vulnerable; and calling for a globally funded public health program.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
What makes When Germs Travel unique among books on epidemics?
Howard Markel's approach stands out by integrating historical analysis of specific outbreaks with a broader examination of how societal factors and global interconnectedness shape public health responses. He emphasizes the recurring patterns in human behavior and policy during health crises, offering a long-term perspective beyond individual disease profiles.
Does When Germs Travel connect to Howard Markel's other works?
This book establishes Markel's foundational interest in the social and historical dimensions of medicine, a theme he further explores in subsequent works like "An Anatomy of Addiction" and "The Secret of Life." It showcases his consistent focus on how public health intersects with policy, culture, and individual lives.