A wonderful fact filled journey through the history of humanity and how pathogens have shaped the fortune and fall of civilisations. Brilliant story telling to keep you hooked along side mind blowing, easy to follow science. A gem of a book for anyone who loves science, history or both.

I loved this book. The most important fact about this book is that it is a history book as opposed to a purely scientific book on pathogens. The author describes the history and context of pathogens on earth in relation to major historical epochs, events and trends. This links historical events in relation to the evolution and impact of pathogens and their interplay with humanity. Sometimes, after a detailed and fascinating account of a historical event, the author is seemingly force to rapidly bring the subject back to the idea of pathogens, but these rapid pivots back to the central theme all work and ensures remains wide-ranging and engrossing. The language is clear and the subject flows well. The topics are easy to grasp and the author has a straightforward and crisp style. I think that anyone with an interest in science, history and the humanities in general will really enjoy this fascinating book.

From prehistory and the triumph of homosapiens, to the Roman Empire, to Victorian wells, and finally to the modern day, Pathogenesis is a sweeping history of humanity from a whole new perspective. This is a remarkably well researched book, full of approachable and fascinating examples that make you rethink what you thought you knew about history.

I’m 70 pages in and we’ve yet to discuss pathogens and disease in and great detail or and how they function. I’m already bored of reading about cavemen and how they decorated shells or picked berries.