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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A great history of the 1918 influenza epidemic that includes a good brief explanation of the rise of modern medicine and medical research as well as a good exploration of the world at that time. For example, the WWI mobilization policies of the Wilson administration directly contributed to the spread and ferocity of the epidemic.
It was interesting to read about what happened in Philadelphia, including the Vare political machine and the breakdown of civil government during the epidemic. Also interesting is Barry's discussion of the WWI peace treaty process and his supposition that Wilson caught the flu and did not have a stroke, thus paving the way for his capitulation to the French (and sowing the seeds for WWII). Of special interest to me was the abrogation of rights imposed upon America by the Wilson administration in order to take the country into WWI. Were the things that Wilson et al put into place any better or worse than what's going on today as we give up individual liberties in order to protect ourselves from acts of terrorism (ie, drone strikes and massive telephone data gathering efforts as well as other Patriot Act goodies and surprises)?
Barry does a good job reflecting the lessons of the 1918 influenza epidemic to today and the potential of another influenza epidemic given the ease in which the virus could be transmitted very quickly all over the world. The take-away is; our public policy folks and the media should always tell the truth, because we know that a lack of truth and information can breed distrust and terror. And we all know the the first casualty of war is truth.
It was interesting to read about what happened in Philadelphia, including the Vare political machine and the breakdown of civil government during the epidemic. Also interesting is Barry's discussion of the WWI peace treaty process and his supposition that Wilson caught the flu and did not have a stroke, thus paving the way for his capitulation to the French (and sowing the seeds for WWII). Of special interest to me was the abrogation of rights imposed upon America by the Wilson administration in order to take the country into WWI. Were the things that Wilson et al put into place any better or worse than what's going on today as we give up individual liberties in order to protect ourselves from acts of terrorism (ie, drone strikes and massive telephone data gathering efforts as well as other Patriot Act goodies and surprises)?
Barry does a good job reflecting the lessons of the 1918 influenza epidemic to today and the potential of another influenza epidemic given the ease in which the virus could be transmitted very quickly all over the world. The take-away is; our public policy folks and the media should always tell the truth, because we know that a lack of truth and information can breed distrust and terror. And we all know the the first casualty of war is truth.
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
History is essential especially as we’re forgetting again
It all seems well researched and all that but it’s too dramatically written for me in all the wrong parts. Lost interest almost immediately.
Very ... prescient. It's greatest message is how important federal leadership and acknowledgment of the truth is when containing a pandemic....
I listened to this book. It is long and the history of everyone ever in relation to the 1918 flu. I felt that it jumped around, was hard to follow, and not really a story.
This is the best history of science/medicine book! Great achievements with broad and in depths research, and intelligent analysis, with great vision. Only if every government officials or at least officials in charge of public health in each nation read it before the end of 2019!
I started this book in 2013, stopped somewhere, only to find time during the shelter in place to finish it.
I started this book in 2013, stopped somewhere, only to find time during the shelter in place to finish it.
This book is a little too enamored of the old boys' club culture of medicine, but otherwise twas a fascinating read.
Cut out the 1st part and the last part and I would have been happier with this. But looking at the 1918 pandemic POST 2020, it is chilling. It’s just the flu.