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The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer Hardcover – November 16, 2010

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,494 ratings

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The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence.

Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee examines cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with—and perished from—for more than five thousand years.

The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out “war against cancer.”

The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist. From the Persian Queen Atossa, whose Greek slave cut off her malignant breast, to the nineteenth-century recipients of primitive radiation and chemotherapy to Mukherjee’s own leukemia patient, Carla,
The Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered through fiercely demanding regimens in order to survive—and to increase our understanding of this iconic disease.

Riveting, urgent, and surprising,
The Emperor of All Maladies provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer treatments. It is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer.
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Editorial Reviews

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Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2010: "In 2010, about six hundred thousand Americans, and more than 7 million humans around the world, will die of cancer." With this sobering statistic, physician and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee begins his comprehensive and eloquent "biography" of one of the most virulent diseases of our time. An exhaustive account of cancer's origins, The Emperor of All Maladies illustrates how modern treatments--multi-pronged chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, as well as preventative care--came into existence thanks to a century's worth of research, trials, and small, essential breakthroughs around the globe. While The Emperor of All Maladies is rich with the science and history behind the fight against cancer, it is also a meditation on illness, medical ethics, and the complex, intertwining lives of doctors and patients. Mukherjee's profound compassion--for cancer patients, their families, as well as the oncologists who, all too often, can offer little hope--makes this book a very human history of an elusive and complicated disease. --Lynette Mong

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Mukherjee's debut book is a sweeping epic of obsession, brilliant researchers, dramatic new treatments, euphoric success and tragic failure, and the relentless battle by scientists and patients alike against an equally relentless, wily, and elusive enemy. From the first chemotherapy developed from textile dyes to the possibilities emerging from our understanding of cancer cells, Mukherjee shapes a massive amount of history into a coherent story with a roller-coaster trajectory: the discovery of a new treatment--surgery, radiation, chemotherapy--followed by the notion that if a little is good, more must be better, ending in disfiguring radical mastectomy and multidrug chemo so toxic the treatment ended up being almost worse than the disease. The first part of the book is driven by the obsession of Sidney Farber and philanthropist Mary Lasker to find a unitary cure for all cancers. (Farber developed the first successful chemotherapy for childhood leukemia.) The last and most exciting part is driven by the race of brilliant, maverick scientists to understand how cells become cancerous. Each new discovery was small, but as Mukherjee, a Columbia professor of medicine, writes, "Incremental advances can add up to transformative changes." Mukherjee's formidable intelligence and compassion produce a stunning account of the effort to disrobe the "emperor of maladies." (Nov.) (c)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1439107955
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner; 1st edition (November 16, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 592 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781439107959
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1439107959
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 year and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1240L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.02 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.13 x 1.8 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,494 ratings

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Siddhartha Mukherjee
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Siddhartha Mukherjee is a cancer physician and researcher. He is an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and a staff cancer physician at the CU/NYU Presbytarian Hospital. A former Rhodes scholar, he graduated from Stanford University, University of Oxford (where he received a PhD studying cancer-causing viruses) and from Harvard Medical School. His laboratory focuses on discovering new cancer drugs using innovative biological methods. Mukherjee trained in cancer medicine at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Harvard Medical School and was on the staff at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He has published articles and commentary in such journals as Nature, New England Journal of Medicine, Neuron and the Journal of Clinical Investigation and in publications such as the New York Times and the New Republic. His work was nominated for Best American Science Writing, 2000 (edited by James Gleick). He lives in Boston and New York with his wife, Sarah Sze, an artist, and with his daughter, Leela.

His author website is www.siddharthamukherjee.me

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4.7 out of 5 stars
9,494 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They describe it as a valuable read with a masterful writing style. Readers find the stories engaging and fascinating. The book provides inspiration and encouragement for the future. Overall, customers find it an educational and entertaining read that covers an expansive subject.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,004 customers mention "History of cancer"972 positive32 negative

Customers find the book's history of cancer informative and well-written. It explains the scientific and medical details while maintaining an engaging and personal tone. Readers appreciate the author's personal understanding of how to treat cancer and the toll it takes. The book is well-researched and written by an oncologist with a deep understanding of how to treat it.

"...topic of cancer with the utmost care and respect while providing the reader valuable insights into the scientific quest to eradicate or control this..." Read more

"...The book is loaded with interesting information, but a difficult book to review, so I thought I would share a combination of statistics, advances in..." Read more

"...But he writes with grace, clarity, and persuasiveness about this very harrowing condition...." Read more

"...The research effort is wide and spans many areas, and it is very interesting to see the changes in the perception of the illness and possible..." Read more

868 customers mention "Readability"857 positive11 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as an accessible, unpretentious read that is a must-read for anyone interested in oncology.

"...This was an ambitious book and I can only imagine how daunting a quest this was but the author succeeds and as a result we the readers benefit from..." Read more

"...Don't let the 590+ pages discourage you from reading this wonderful book, as at least 20% of that are sources used for researching this book...." Read more

"...And what's truly amazing about it is that the book is almost compulsively readable--actually a page turner, despite the fact that it's not easy..." Read more

"...The book is highly interesting, (especially in its early parts) but my main criticism is that it is very *hard* book to read, almost frustratingly..." Read more

650 customers mention "Writing quality"545 positive105 negative

Customers find the book's writing accessible and engaging for lay readers. They praise the author's skill in blending science and history in an easy-to-understand manner. The book provides hope and clarity, making it accessible and unpretentious.

"...A beautifully written book that treats this complex topic of cancer with the utmost care and respect while providing the reader valuable insights..." Read more

"...The author takes great care in describing the complex permutations required to develop and the subtle differences between some of these permutations..." Read more

"...of all science and research, and Dr Mukherjee has written a superb tome in language that we can all attempt to understand. The biography of Cancer...." Read more

"...a way that makes it a story, from the voice of a writer who is easy to understand, even if you have no medical background...." Read more

422 customers mention "Storytelling"419 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging storytelling in this book. They find it fascinating and well-written, with a compelling detective story and broad story arc. The book takes readers on a complete and gratifying journey.

"...Fascinating stuff. 15. The quest to prevent diseases...." Read more

"...The book is like a medical drama of the past and present. There are interesting photos, advertisements and articles as well...." Read more

"...It lives desperately, inventively, fiercely, territorially, cannily, and defensively--at times, as if teaching us how to survive...." Read more

"...Every chapter is interesting and the book takes the reader on a complete journey through cancer's history with medicine with no background..." Read more

98 customers mention "Inspiration"98 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and encouraging for the future. They appreciate the insights into cancer research that help contextualize their work. The book provides hope and optimism, despite its subject matter.

"...Mukherjee is a reliable and brilliant guide, taking us through the whole history of the illness, from its first reported manifestations in..." Read more

"...But at the same time, I was excited, informed, amazed, educated, hopeful and appreciative...." Read more

"...'s book explicates not only the history of cancer, but also the revolutionary, creative, and very visual process of science...." Read more

"...You will learn about the persistence of human life and innovation and perhaps more amazingly and terrifyingly the power of nature to out despite all..." Read more

89 customers mention "Education"74 positive15 negative

Customers find the book informative and entertaining. They say it covers an extensive subject, covering discovery, history, life, and cancer. The book is accessible to a wide audience, making it a great stepping stone for those interested in the topic.

"...It discusses the origins of the disease, the triumphs and failure of treatment, the battles within the medical profession and the differences of..." Read more

"...The book is truly a "layperson's" book, because I could grasp a basic understanding of the material Doc Mukherjee was covering knowing that the..." Read more

"...I love a book that will change your thinking and broaden your knowledge base. This book fits both categories...." Read more

"...turn into an overwhelming work of science and make it accessible to a wider audience by spending the first half of the book on the human side of..." Read more

80 customers mention "Humanness"76 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's humanity and humility. They find it thoughtful, moving, and emotional. The author is described as empathetic and caring, providing a proper dose of emotion and understanding for everyone. The book achieves a perfect balance of humanity and science, making the reader feel humble and full of awe before the disease.

"...stories into the biography of cancer thus achieving a perfect balance of humanity and science. 4...." Read more

"...the frontline casualities in this War, fought without pity, without sentimentality, on both sides. The fortitude and heroism of the patients..." Read more

"...This documentary is a thoughtful, moving, emotional journey into everything about cancer and what all the doctors, nurses, researchers and victims..." Read more

"...came awy from the experience of this book with a great respect and deep gratitude for the people who have devoted their lives to improving our..." Read more

65 customers mention "Depressing content"18 positive47 negative

Customers find the book depressing and boring. They find the content repetitive and hard to follow. The subject matter is not encouraging, and the book is described as a total loss.

"...part of the book, as the reading became really cumbersome and not very enjoyable...." Read more

"The book left me overwhelmed, perplexed, confused, angry, depressed, and at times, tearful...." Read more

"...A book of this size could have been very heavy, but it was easy to stay interested, and I really enjoyed the literary analogies that were sprinkled..." Read more

"...it is all bared and laid out on the table, and some of it is really dreadful, but learning about how radiation came to be a tool in frying my..." Read more

One of the best written research books ever.
5 out of 5 stars
One of the best written research books ever.
Review of Book and Ken Burns Series:One of the best books and also now one of the best Documentary's out there. This is a 3 episode, three disc, exploration and history of one of the greatest mass murderers of all time, CANCER. This documentary is a thoughtful, moving, emotional journey into everything about cancer and what all the doctors, nurses, researchers and victims have gone through. Possibly one of the best, if not the best research examples ever done in written form, and now film form. I have read the book also which I highly recommend and now I highly recommended the 3 Disc Documentary that Ken Burns has created. I have never been so glued, moved, brought to tears as I have by this documentary. Not only does this book and documentary explore the vast history of this horror, but it also puts a face on this monster. It showcases the pain and suffering of those who are ravaged by this beast. It gives an example of not just a word but a living, breathing human being.Siddhartha Mukherjee is one of the finest human beings to ever grace book form, his book brought to life this horrible reality. He not only brought a face to the monster, but he allowed you to understand the history, and massive exploration for treatment and hopefully one day a cure. In a sense both Siddhartha Mukherjee and Ken Burns has given a voice to this darkness that slowly is causing thousands to die, suffer, or go through.Not only does this book and documentary explore the vast history of this horror, but it also puts a face on this monster. It showcases the pain and suffering of those who are ravaged by this beast. It gives an example of not just a word but a living, breathing human being.Siddhartha Mukherjee is one of the finest human beings to ever grace book form, his book brought to life this horrible reality. He not only brought a face to the monster, but he allowed you to understand the history, and massive exploration for treatment and hopefully one day a cure. In a sense both Siddhartha Mukherjee and Ken Burns has given a voice to this darkness that slowly is causing thousands to die, suffer, or go through.Cancer sadly runs in my family. My sister died of Spinal Cancer. One Aunt died of colon cancer. One Aunt died of Pancreatic Cancer. One Aunt Lung and Brain Cancer. One Uncle Brain Cancer. One Uncle Lung and Brain Cancer. One Uncle Esophagus Cancer. One Uncle Lung Cancer. My Great Grandfather Prostate Cancer. My Dad is a survivor of Prostate Cancer. So I have seen it, experienced its wrath. See the brutality of this beast. I feel the book and Ken Burns Documentary is a prime example of how to look at this Emperor of All Maladies.A perfect book. A perfect film. Both should be owned, read and watched, taught and expressed to others. Wonderful examples of research both in written form and visual form. Perfection.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2013
    The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

    "The Emperor of All Maladies" is a literary achievement of science. It's an enlightening journey through the history of cancer through the eyes of a coming-of-age oncologist. A beautifully written book that treats this complex topic of cancer with the utmost care and respect while providing the reader valuable insights into the scientific quest to eradicate or control this insidious disease. This outstanding 608-page book is broken out into six major parts: 1. "Of blacke cholor, without boyling", 2. An Impatient War, 3. "Will you turn me out if I can't get better?", 4. Prevention is the Cure, 5. "A Distorted Version of our Normal Selves", and 6. The Fruits of Long Endeavors.

    Positives:
    1. Outstanding accomplishment of literary science. Extensive research of cancer and conveyed to the masses in an enlightening readable fashion. Kudos!
    2. Engaging and humane prose.
    3. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to interweave human stories into the biography of cancer thus achieving a perfect balance of humanity and science.
    4. Great facts and fascinating scientific tidbits about cancer throughout this book.
    5. Cancer...what it is, and the never ending scientific quest to eradicate or control it.
    6. Cancer has many manifestations. This book covers many of them through the eyes of the patients, scientists and doctors. Leukemia and breast cancer, do get special attention.
    7. Innate ability of Dr. Mukherjee to provide details with panache.
    8. The history of the drugs developed to combat the many manifestations of cancer. The history of the agencies, and support groups. The scientists behind the design, development and deployment of the drugs.
    9. Great quotes, "Cancer thus exploits the fundamental logic of evolution unlike any other illness. If we, as a species, are the ultimate product of Darwinian selection, then so, too, is this incredible disease that lurks inside us".
    10. A look into the history of ancient diseases. The progression (not always in a straight line either) of science as it relates to treating diseases. The key discoveries that were instrumental to progress, anesthesia as an example. The discovery of radium in 1902.
    11. The history of organizations launched to fund research. Special mention to the tireless efforts of Mary Woodard Lasker and Sidney Farber.
    12. Conducting clinical research. The trials and tribulations. The various treatments and effects. A lot of focus on chemotherapy. The multidrug concoctions. The reality of the results. The tamoxifen trial.
    13. The causes of cancer. The various theories. As an example a look into the somatic mutation hypothesis of cancer.
    14. The quest to understand the biological behavior of cancer before going on an all out attack. Fascinating stuff.
    15. The quest to prevent diseases. Many examples of historical cases: the "chimney-sweepers' cancer, tobacco, malaria, to name a few. Find out the extreme experiment that put one scientist's own life at risk.
    16. The history behind screening trials. Pap smears, mammography, the findings, and the lessons learned.
    17. The insidious disease...AIDS. Retroviruses.
    18. The link between chromosomal changes and cancer. The causes.
    19. Proto-oncogenes. "Cancer was intrinsically loaded in our genome, awaiting activation". The first cogent and comprehensive theory of carcinogenesis.
    20. Understanding the progression of cancer. "Down to their innate molecular core, cancer cells are hyperactive, survival-endowed, scrappy, fecund, inventive copies of ourselves."
    21. The six rules that explain core behavior of more than a hundred types of tumors.
    22. The three new Achilles' heels of cancer. The three essential ingredients for a targeted therapy for cancer.
    23. The current biological and societal challenges of cancer. The pathway disease.
    24. Excellent links to notes.
    25. The inclusion of a glossary and bibliography.

    Negatives:
    1. At over 600 pages, it does require an investment in time. Thankfully, it's time well invested.
    2. Lack of charts and illustrations would have added value. Could have been added to appendices to avoid disrupting elegant prose.
    3. It can be an emotional read sometimes as the reader will find themselves invested in the lives of so many people...let's face it, we are talking about dealing with cancer.
    4. Some readers will get lost among the many and recurring storylines.
    5. The photographs would have added more value if they would have been inserted in the context of the narrative instead of a separate appendix.

    In summary, this is an outstanding and important book. What sets this book apart is Dr. Mukherjee's ability to weave multiple storylines into a fascinating narrative about the history of cancer with just the right touch of humanity. This was an ambitious book and I can only imagine how daunting a quest this was but the author succeeds and as a result we the readers benefit from the knowledge and wisdom. I can't recommend it enough!

    Further suggestions: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot, "The Secret History of the War on Cancer" by Devra Davis, "One Renegade Cell: How Cancer Begins (Science Masters Series)" by Robert A. Weinberg, "Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer", "The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code" by Sam Kean, and "Cancer Ward" by Alexander Isayevich Solzhenitsyn.
    57 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2011
    "Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings whom they know nothing" --Voltaire

    The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, is a fascinating book about the history of cancer, a disease that would kill 600,000 people in the United States, and 7 million people worldwide in 2010 alone. The author, an Oncologist, researcher, and professor of medicine began this book when he was a resident at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and an Oncologist at Mass General Hospital in 2005.

    Most of the information learned about cancer in this novel takes is from the early 1900's to the present, however, in 440bc, a Greek Historian named Herodotus recorded the story of Atossa, Queen of Persia, who has a "bleeding lump in her breast. Her breast was removed, however, it is uncertain as to whether the cancer had returned when she died. There is also on record a 1,000 year old bone cancer preserved in a mummy that was a member of the Chiribaya Tribe. So it appears that cancer was present in the distant past, but that it was somewhat rare, probably because as the author writes. "people didn't live long enough to get cancer". Today since people are living longer and longer, it makes sense that more of us will die of this disease unless a cure is found, as "mutations in cancer genes increase with age".

    Today however, although significant advances have been made, the war on cancer has not been won by any means. The book is loaded with interesting information, but a difficult book to review, so I thought I would share a combination of statistics, advances in treatment and quotes, that I found interesting:

    "Killing a cancer cell in a test tube is easy. The trouble lies in finding a selective poison - a drug that will kill cancer without annihilating the patient"

    * Between 1970-1994, lung cancer was the #1 killer. Lung cancer with women over age 55 increased by 400%.
    * Between 1990-2005, mortality declined by about 1% each year for, lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer --despite this, a half million Americans died of cancer in 2005 alone.
    * 1/400 - 39 year old women will develop breast cancer
    * 1/9 - 70 year old women will develop breast cancer
    * As of 1981, radical mastectomy is rarely performed today
    * Prostate cancer and breast cancer are hormone dependent cancers
    * Breast cancer and ovarian cancer have been found to be connected

    In 1962, the drug Tamoxifen was developed for birth control, but was found to have the reverse effects, actually shutting off the estrogen signal to tissues. In 1973, V. Craig Jordan, a bio-chemist from a little known lab in Central Massachusetts found estrogen receptors were highly responsive to Tamoxifen which choke the cells growth, so a trial drug program was designed for women with advanced metastatic breast cancer, which seemed to cut the cancer's recurrence by 50% in women over 50. It lengthened survival, however, many patients eventually relapsed.

    The book is full of fascinating insights of the discoveries, advances and outcomes made by cutting edge scientists of the past and present, like the discovery of radium oncology in the early 1900s, mammography, PAP tests, and so much more. From the primitive surgeries of the past to the politics of battling insurance companies who deny treatments here today, this book is never dry or dull. The book is like a medical drama of the past and present. There are interesting photos, advertisements and articles as well. The book was easy to read and understand, even if you are someone who does not have a background in science. Don't let the 590+ pages discourage you from reading this wonderful book, as at least 20% of that are sources used for researching this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Jon Biddle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gosh…
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2024
    During the research for my own book, 'The Edge of Sleep,' I repeatedly encountered references to Siddhartha Mukherjee’s 'The Emperor of All Maladies.' This seminal work offers an in-depth exploration of cancer, the oldest malady humanity has had to contend with. As a medical professional specialising in the surgical removal of cancer, I realised just how much I had yet to learn about this pervasive affliction. Cancer touches us all; almost everyone knows a family member or friend who has been affected by it. Understanding its causes and our increasing propensity to suffer from it as we age is crucial.
    Mukherjee's book is not a scare tactic but a profound revelation that provides a deeper understanding of cancer. It offers rational explanations for why we might develop cancer, making the disease less of an enigma. The book is exceptionally well-written, accessible to both medical professionals and laypersons alike. Mukherjee has a gift for demystifying the complex nature of cancer, making it digestible without oversimplifying, worth the Pulitzer indeed.
    For medical students, individuals who know someone undergoing chemotherapy, or those who have personally battled cancer, this book offers invaluable transparency. It is a reminder that cancer is not a monolith; there are many different types that can affect various aspects of human physiology. Mukherjee's analogy of Imhotep, the ancient Egyptian physician treating cancer, underscores the long history humanity has endured with this disease. It’s a stark reminder that cancer is not a new or worsening epidemic but a persistent adversary that remains as other diseases have been subdued or eradicated by medical advancements.
    'The book also sheds light on the evolution of cancer treatment. In the modern era, we often talk about cancer as if it’s an epidemic. However, Mukherjee emphasises that our increased lifespan and the reduction of other deadly diseases have made cancer more prominent. The book highlights that treating cancer is something we, as a civilization, have become proficient at, whether by curing specific types or managing symptoms.
    This work is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience in the face of a relentless disease. Mukherjee's narrative is both historical and personal, blending scientific rigor with poignant human stories. The book delves into the biology of cancer, the history of its treatment, and the ongoing quest for a cure. It is an epic tale of scientific discovery, medical progress, and the enduring hope for a future where cancer is no longer a formidable foe.
    The book is an essential read for anyone touched by cancer, directly or indirectly. Mukherjee has crafted a masterpiece that illuminates the complexities of cancer and our ongoing battle against it. It is a book that adds depth to our understanding of the disease and instills a sense of hope and determination in the fight against cancer. It also informs us, that we must learn to live with it because eliminating cancer is something which is probably, impossible.
  • Alberto
    5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story narrated by a skilful writer
    Reviewed in Spain on September 30, 2021
    I was looking for some scientific information about cancer, and I stumbled upon this book. I was expecting a somewhat boring chronology of cancer research; I couldn't have been more wrong.

    The author makes a wonderful job in selecting stories and "storylines", and telling them in an enjoyable style (a well-deserved Pulitzer). You will travel through history and follow the fall of the humoral theory, the rise (and fall) of radical surgery, the rise (and fall) of radical chemotherapy, and the rise of the genetic theory of cancer.

    It turns out that following the evolution of the scientific understanding of cancer is the best way to learn about it. In addition to cancer itself, the book teaches much about science going wrong: scientific communities following dogmas and being blind to evidence against them; a premature all in battle against cancer (lacking mechanistic understandings); fabrication of data; politics and corporations hampering scientific research; the loss of connection between doctors and patients.

    A highly suggested read, although the book is slightly outdated now.
  • Isaac, cliente Prime
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historia del cáncer.
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 25, 2018
    Es un gran libro para entender la historia de cómo hemos entendido y tratado está terrible enfermedad. También nos presenta el estado actual de la lucha contra el cáncer y el posible futuro. Muy bien escrito no por nada ganó el Pulitzer en 2011.
  • carlafed
    5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling narration
    Reviewed in Italy on December 10, 2019
    I liked this book very much. Despite the very tough and sensible subject, it is a compelling narration. Of course it shows the point of view of the author, but it is extremely convincing and made me understand much. For example, it makes it very clear that the real heroes of the war against cancer are the patients, men, women, children, all the suffering people. Every single little step forward defeat of the malady is their victory. The science is simplified, but accurate; at the end, one gets the feeling that cancer is a complicate monster, much more complicate than expected, and will require still more skill and struggle.
    Quite demanding read, but necessary, I recommend this book, it can, and should, be read by many.
  • Krishna Ahir
    5.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing yet very informative read...
    Reviewed in India on April 22, 2019
    This book is an eye opener, chilling read and brings cancer into a fresh perspective which all of us want to avoid. The phrase out of sight out of mind is dismissed once you read this book. As someone without knowledge of medical science, I found this book easy to understand and follow yet it was one of the most difficult books to sit down and read, primarily due to the intensity of the subject.
    Many words or adjectives come to mind after reading this book, including detailed, long, very intense, upsetting, disturbing, depressing yet informative. I think the most accurate description would be highly informative. Author has filled the pages with years of experience and his complete knowledge of the subject. Reading this book ensures a better understanding of cancer and how it has affected the journey of medicine in treatment of cancer.
    From the beginning of the story Author dives into history of cancer and the way it is portrayed as the story goes, it seems more like an actual person and not an illness. More like a super powerful villain who is here for human extinction or advancement of human race. It’s literally do or die situation for human race against cancer.
    “In writing this book, I started off by imagining my project as a “history” of cancer. But it felt, inescapably, as if I were writing not about something but about someone. My subject daily morphed into something that resembled an individual—an enigmatic, if somewhat deranged, image in a mirror. This was not so much a medical history of an illness, but something more personal, more visceral: its biography.” –Siddhartha Mukherjee
    Author reveals how cancer has been around much longer than we thought by showing examples of exhumed corpses from ancient Egypt and other archeological sites. Once mankind realized how aggressive and fast growing cancer is, the historical treatments were equally zealous and intense with the goal to find a cure and get rid of the cancerous tissue as soon as they can.
    Cancer is an expansionist disease; it invades through tissues, sets up colonies in hostile landscapes, seeking “sanctuary” in one organ and then immigrating to another. It lives desperately, inventively, fiercely, territorially, cannily, and defensively—at times, as if teaching us how to survive. To confront cancer is to encounter a parallel species, one perhaps more adapted to survival than even we are.―Siddhartha Mukherjee
    The emperor of Maladies – the title captures ones interest and this no doubt has proven to a book which sticks with you even after you finish reading it. To conclude, the book sheds new light on the future of war on cancer, Medicine and science has come a long way in the past decades and new treatments continue to be discovered and tested. The war on cancer is far from over, however based on the knowledge from this history; we surely are equipped to face it head on.
    "We are so close to a cure for cancer. We lack only the will and the kind of money and comprehensive planning that went into putting a man on the moon" -Dr. Sidney Farber