Description
Discover the captivating narrative of **Plagues upon the Earth**, a groundbreaking exploration of how deadly germs and pandemics have fundamentally shaped human history. Authored by Kyle Harper, this compelling trade paperback from **Princeton University Press** (ISBN: 9780691230597, Year: 2023) delves deep into the intertwined tales of our species and the microorganisms that have both challenged and propelled our progress. This monumental history reveals the evolutionary roots of our uniquely dangerous disease pool and the impact of technology on the spread of infectious diseases.
Through meticulous research and insights from cutting-edge genetics, **Plagues upon the Earth** examines the effects of historical plagues on wealth, health, and power dynamics across societies. Harper illustrates how disease has been a constant companion in humanity’s journey—from the transition to agriculture and the rise of civilizations to the industrial age. With a panoramic approach, this book showcases the global interdependence of human health and environmental well-being, reminding us that our futures are inextricably linked to the health of our planet.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book provides invaluable perspective on our current struggles and our collective past. A must-read for history buffs and anyone curious about the evolution of infectious diseases, **Plagues upon the Earth** offers not only a narrative of past infections but also insights into potential futures.
**Delivery Information:** Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be canceled. Condition: BRAND NEW. Format: Trade paperback (US).
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691230597
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
How deadly germs and pandemics have shaped history — and why they are products of our success as a species.
Plagues upon the Earth is a monumental history of humans and their germs. Weaving together a grand narrative of global history with insights from cutting-edge genetics, Kyle Harper explains why humanity’s uniquely dangerous disease pool is rooted deep in our evolutionary past, and why its growth is accelerated by technological progress. He shows that the story of disease is entangled with the history of slavery, colonialism, and capitalism, and reveals the enduring effects of historical plagues in patterns of wealth, health, power, and inequality. He also tells the story of humanity’s escape from infectious disease — a triumph that makes life as we know it possible, yet destabilises the environment and fosters new diseases.
Panoramic in scope, Plagues upon the Earth traces the role of disease in the transition to farming, the spread of cities, the advance of transportation, and the stupendous increase in human population. Harper offers a new interpretation of humanity’s path to control over infectious disease—one where rising evolutionary threats constantly push back against human progress, and where the devastating effects of modernisation contribute to the great divergence between societies. The book reminds us that human health is globally interdependent — and inseparable from the well-being of the planet itself.
Putting the COVID-19 pandemic in perspective, Plagues upon the Earth tells the story of how we got here as a species, and it may help us decide where we want to go.<
Through meticulous research and insights from cutting-edge genetics, **Plagues upon the Earth** examines the effects of historical plagues on wealth, health, and power dynamics across societies. Harper illustrates how disease has been a constant companion in humanity’s journey—from the transition to agriculture and the rise of civilizations to the industrial age. With a panoramic approach, this book showcases the global interdependence of human health and environmental well-being, reminding us that our futures are inextricably linked to the health of our planet.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book provides invaluable perspective on our current struggles and our collective past. A must-read for history buffs and anyone curious about the evolution of infectious diseases, **Plagues upon the Earth** offers not only a narrative of past infections but also insights into potential futures.
**Delivery Information:** Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be canceled. Condition: BRAND NEW. Format: Trade paperback (US).
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691230597
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
How deadly germs and pandemics have shaped history — and why they are products of our success as a species.
Plagues upon the Earth is a monumental history of humans and their germs. Weaving together a grand narrative of global history with insights from cutting-edge genetics, Kyle Harper explains why humanity’s uniquely dangerous disease pool is rooted deep in our evolutionary past, and why its growth is accelerated by technological progress. He shows that the story of disease is entangled with the history of slavery, colonialism, and capitalism, and reveals the enduring effects of historical plagues in patterns of wealth, health, power, and inequality. He also tells the story of humanity’s escape from infectious disease — a triumph that makes life as we know it possible, yet destabilises the environment and fosters new diseases.
Panoramic in scope, Plagues upon the Earth traces the role of disease in the transition to farming, the spread of cities, the advance of transportation, and the stupendous increase in human population. Harper offers a new interpretation of humanity’s path to control over infectious disease—one where rising evolutionary threats constantly push back against human progress, and where the devastating effects of modernisation contribute to the great divergence between societies. The book reminds us that human health is globally interdependent — and inseparable from the well-being of the planet itself.
Putting the COVID-19 pandemic in perspective, Plagues upon the Earth tells the story of how we got here as a species, and it may help us decide where we want to go.<