Book & podcast collection

Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues

byJonathan Kennedy

Jonathan Kennedy reframes world history through eight major encounters between human societies and infectious disease. Plagues and pathogens influence migration, conquest, slavery, state formation, religion, inequality, empire, and industrial change, often determining outcomes credited solely to leaders or armies. The book connects ancient epidemics with colonial devastation and modern public health while explaining how environment and social organization shape vulnerability. Kennedy does not claim microbes act alone; he shows how disease interacts with human choices, repeatedly redistributing power and challenging the flattering story that intelligence and progress place humanity fully in control.

Publisher

Crown Publishing Group, The

Publication date

2023

Format

Print edition

Pages

—

ISBN

9780593240472