The Great Influenza is a book about the deadliest plague in history. It tells the story of how the virus emerged and spread, as well as the valiant efforts of doctors and scientists to contain it. The book also explores the social impact of the pandemic, including its effect on art and culture.
For who is this book for ?
John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza is a gripping must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, public health, or pandemics.
Pros :
- The author does a great job of weaving together historical facts with personal stories.
- The book provides a comprehensive overview of the pandemic.
- It is well written and easy to read.
Cons :
- The Great Influenza gives a very detailed, but nonetheless dry, account of the pandemic.
- The author focuses more on famous individuals and institutions than on the experiences of ordinary people.
- The book is at times difficult to follow because of its technical language.
Learn more about the author
John M. Barry is a journalist and author who has written extensively about science, history, and politics. He is the winner of several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize.
Reader Reviews
“Barry does an admirable job of tracing the origins and progression of the pandemic, weaving in stories about doctors, scientists, victims and others touched by it. He also looks at how society was affected…this is a valuable addition to the literature on both public health issues and history.”
“This is a superb book. John Barry has done an amazing job of weaving together the many strands of the story—political, scientific, social, and personal. The result is a richly textured and compelling narrative.”
“The Great Influenza is a well-researched and compelling account of the 1918 pandemic. Barry does an admirable job of weaving together the scientific, political, and human stories surrounding this devastating event.”
“A truly epic and compulsively readable account of the 1918 flu pandemic. Barry brings to life both the scientific detective story and the human drama of a global catastrophe that killed an estimated 50 million people.”
