Description
Book SynopsisSince the beginning of human history, we have been at war with an invisible enemy. Microbes.
These tiny organisms can spread terrible diseases. Ramses V, Pharaoh of Egypt may have died of smallpox; in 1918 a new illness called the Spanish Flu killed 50 million people in 18 months; and in the fourteenth century the black death killed more than a quarter of the population. In more recent times Covid 19 has changed the way we live.
But there's good news too! Human scientists have learned to fight back. In the 18th century edward Jenner developed the first vaccine, and since the 1930s penicillin has saved millions of lives. And many microbes are helpful. They help our digestion, give us powerful medicines and even food.
This is the Microbe Wars. It's good, it's bad sometimes it's ugly, but it's a scientific journey filled with innovation and hope.
Trade ReviewAnother book perfect for reading together is Microbe Wars by Gill Arbuthnott and Marianna Madriz (Templar Books, £14.99). Exploring microbes - bacteria, viruses, protists and fungi - this is the story of how humans battle against microbes, but also how we utilise them for good. An important read for the current moment, this book shows that the unseen world around us is not always as terrifying might seem. * The Scotsman *
