The book examines the fundamental concepts of epidemiology, microbiology, and historical analysis, making complex information accessible.
Each plague is analyzed in detail, from its origins and spread to its symptoms and societal effects and how medical and governmental institutions responded, using primary documents, medical treatises, and archaeological findings.
By examining these past pandemics, such as how ineffective some folk remedies were, Plague History demonstrates that infectious diseases are powerful agents of historical change that alter economic systems and cultural beliefs.
The book progresses chronologically, beginning with an introduction to infectious diseases and historical analysis before exploring each major plague.
It concludes with a discussion of lessons learned and their relevance to contemporary global health, addressing ongoing debates about the origins and impact of these devastating outbreaks and offering a balanced perspective.