I could barely put this book down. One fascinating theme is the link between perceptions of the symptoms of TB and social class. When TB was primarily a white, upper-class disease, the symptoms were viewed with esteem. For example, pale, thin, frail people were thought to be particularly bright, creative, and appealing. But that is scratching the surface -- there is so much that is compelling and interesting about this book.
August 26, 2007

A social study of science

DuBos et al examine the social aspects of the TB epidemic, along with some of the biological factors. They show how TB was romaticized, how it was portrayed as a demon coming to rob the healthy of life, and how it sparked scientific invention - in particular the stethescope. The introduction is wonderful as it lays out the basic parts of the book. Words of advice: this book is best read as a whole from beginning to end, as the authors build on the arguments they make in past chapters.
September 25, 2002

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Living in the Shadow of Death: Tuberculosis and the Social Experience of Illness in American History
by Sheila M. Rothman

The Return of the White Plague: Global Poverty and the 'New' Tuberculosis
by Matthew Gandy, Alimuddin Zumla

White Death: A History of Tuberculosis
by Thomas Dormandy

Captain of Death: The Story of Tuberculosis
by Thomas M. Daniel

The Forgotten Plague: How the Battle Against Tuberculosis Was Won - And Lost
by Frank Ryan