Description

Book Synopsis

‘Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.’ – Jonas Salk, inventor of one of the first successful polio vaccines

No one will die of smallpox again…

One of the worst killers ever is now consigned to history – perhaps the greatest humanitarian achievement of our age. Now polio, malaria and measles are on the hit list.

Karen Bartlett tells the dramatic story of the history of eradication and takes us to the heart of modern campaigns. From high-tech labs in America to the poorest corners of Africa and the Middle East, we see the tremendous challenges those on the front lines face every day, and how they take us closer to a brave new world.



Trade Review

‘A fantastic story about the oddballs and outcasts, hippies and billionaires who have saved millions and millions of lives. As exciting as a thriller and with a happy ending that gives us hope for humankind.’

-- Johan Norberg, author of Progress

‘Well-researched and accessible… Her writing is clear yet nuanced, and offers compassion, a broad respect for history, and the skills of a strong storyteller.’

* CHOICE Magazine *

‘Bartlett makes it abundantly clear that research to reduce the impact of infectious disease is progressing but that politics, budgetary constraints, competing priorities, and ego clashes are serious impediments.’

* Kirkus *

‘Anyone interested in public health and its interface with politics will find both hope and frustration here…a fascinating look at epidemiology and the challenges that public health workers face.’

* Library Journal *

‘This book is so engaging that I read it in one sitting…I recommend it in the highest possible terms.’

-- W. Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University

‘…describes the heroic efforts, the thrill of success, the challenges and the tragedy of failure…[it] kept me turning the pages until late in the night.’

-- Nicholas Grassly, professor in Vaccine Epidemiology, Imperial College London

‘Timely.’

* Publishers Weekly *

‘A deft combination of history and palatable scientific reportage.’

* Geographical *

The Health of Nations: The Campaign to End Polio

    Product form

    £10.44

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 30 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Karen Bartlett

    5 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Health of Nations: The Campaign to End Polio by Karen Bartlett

      Publisher: Oneworld Publications
      Publication Date: 01/03/2018
      ISBN13: 9781786072665, 978-1786072665
      ISBN10: 1786072661

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ‘Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.’ – Jonas Salk, inventor of one of the first successful polio vaccines

      No one will die of smallpox again…

      One of the worst killers ever is now consigned to history – perhaps the greatest humanitarian achievement of our age. Now polio, malaria and measles are on the hit list.

      Karen Bartlett tells the dramatic story of the history of eradication and takes us to the heart of modern campaigns. From high-tech labs in America to the poorest corners of Africa and the Middle East, we see the tremendous challenges those on the front lines face every day, and how they take us closer to a brave new world.



      Trade Review

      ‘A fantastic story about the oddballs and outcasts, hippies and billionaires who have saved millions and millions of lives. As exciting as a thriller and with a happy ending that gives us hope for humankind.’

      -- Johan Norberg, author of Progress

      ‘Well-researched and accessible… Her writing is clear yet nuanced, and offers compassion, a broad respect for history, and the skills of a strong storyteller.’

      * CHOICE Magazine *

      ‘Bartlett makes it abundantly clear that research to reduce the impact of infectious disease is progressing but that politics, budgetary constraints, competing priorities, and ego clashes are serious impediments.’

      * Kirkus *

      ‘Anyone interested in public health and its interface with politics will find both hope and frustration here…a fascinating look at epidemiology and the challenges that public health workers face.’

      * Library Journal *

      ‘This book is so engaging that I read it in one sitting…I recommend it in the highest possible terms.’

      -- W. Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University

      ‘…describes the heroic efforts, the thrill of success, the challenges and the tragedy of failure…[it] kept me turning the pages until late in the night.’

      -- Nicholas Grassly, professor in Vaccine Epidemiology, Imperial College London

      ‘Timely.’

      * Publishers Weekly *

      ‘A deft combination of history and palatable scientific reportage.’

      * Geographical *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account