Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic -- and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World on + 1726 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book, the information and history that was in it was really interesting and at sometimes disturbing. Disturbing because of the attitudes and arrogance of those in power not wanting to learn something new or believe something new. That would have drove me nuts. The way the neighborhoods were linked and the water sources made for a real who did it. Lots of info but moved along at a pretty good pace. I liked it.
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic -- and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World on + 491 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first 85% of this book is very good. I really enjoy historical renderings of medical cases or scientific/technological discoveries, and this recounting of the cholera epidemic in London did not disappoint.
If the book would have ended with the conclusion of the medical mystery, I think I would have been content. But the last few chapters of this book transition from a historical retelling of the cholera epidemic to the author's opinions and predictions regarding past, present, and future outbreaks of various disease processes and epidemics. While these discussions are somewhat relevant in light of the way in which the cholera epidemic was handled, it is not an ending that I preferred. Perhaps it was just because I wansn't really expecting it.
Author opinions aside, I thought that this book did a very good job of following the historical events that surrounded the cholera outbreak at the Broad Street pump. Because of that, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys factual but well-written medical history of the 19th century.
If the book would have ended with the conclusion of the medical mystery, I think I would have been content. But the last few chapters of this book transition from a historical retelling of the cholera epidemic to the author's opinions and predictions regarding past, present, and future outbreaks of various disease processes and epidemics. While these discussions are somewhat relevant in light of the way in which the cholera epidemic was handled, it is not an ending that I preferred. Perhaps it was just because I wansn't really expecting it.
Author opinions aside, I thought that this book did a very good job of following the historical events that surrounded the cholera outbreak at the Broad Street pump. Because of that, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys factual but well-written medical history of the 19th century.
kickerdad -
I was worried after reading some other reviews about how 'graphic' this may be. I shouldn't have been. "The Ghost Map" is a fascinating - and timely - account of the 1854 cholera epidemic outbreak in London. Steve Johnson does a fabulous job of weaving the threads of this historic event together. Not only with personal details extracted from historical records but the psycho-social and scientific climate of the time. It is a wonderful depiction of how science can blind us to the realities around us; how the interpretation of data based on an incorrect assumption can lead to inaccurate results. Johnson lays out how the mobility of society into urban populations has had an impact on our lives, our health, and overall existence; and in turn how our urban environments have had an impact on themselves.
The epilogue seems awkward and incongruent with the rest of the book - other than using the events of the epidemic to point out that science may not always have the answer. And just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. [4/5]
The epilogue seems awkward and incongruent with the rest of the book - other than using the events of the epidemic to point out that science may not always have the answer. And just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. [4/5]
