Plague and Pestilence: A History of Infectious Disease (Issues in Focus) [Library Binding]

Linda Jacobs Altman (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Issues in Focus

Traces the battles that societies have waged against infectious diseases from the Black Death of the fourteenth century to the Ebola virus of more recent times.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-In this fascinating overview of plagues, Altman traces the history of bacterial and viral diseases from the Middle Ages to the present day. She utilizes an interesting technique of linking the past to the present by opening each chapter with a historical account of a deadly disease, followed by a discussion of scientific belief and superstition at that time, and modern science's explanations for the occurrence. In addition, she objectively discusses the hysteria often accompanying these outbreaks and explains how scientific process gradually replaced superstition. Succinct sketches of notable scientists and their contributions to scientific research and interesting anecdotes, such as the story of Typhoid Mary, are also included. Altman's study comes full circle at the end of the book as she likens early AIDS hysteria to the reactions caused by the syphilis epidemic in the 1600s. Ultimately, she manages to incorporate a brief history of infectious disease, scientific research, and popular beliefs while sprinkling intriguing tidbits throughout. This title complements James Giblin's When Plague Strikes (HarperCollins, 1995), which explores three such outbreaks in rich detail and reveals the historical, social, and cultural implications of each one. Plague and Pestilence is a highly readable addition on this topic.-Laura Glaser, Euless Junior High School, TX

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894909576
• ISBN-13: 978-0894909573
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,410,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT, February 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Plague and Pestilence: A History of Infectious Disease (Issues in Focus) (Library Binding)

I was doing a term paper on the Black Death and happened to get this book at the local library. It helped out my project so greatly, I don't know what I would have done without it. If you need any information on the plague, or any other disease, i suggest you read PLAGUE AND PESTILENCE!