The Power of Plagues

describes the nature and evolution of diseases; explains how scientists discovered the causes of infectious diseases and outlines how controls were developed; engages readers with an entertaining writing style; examines the interrelationship between plagues and culture and details the ways this shaped the traditions and institutions of Western civilization; highlights current epidemics such as AIDS, cholera, tuberculosis, influenza, West Nile virus, Ebola virus, and others; addresses the public's curiosity with outbreaks and diseases of public health concern.