Offers an examination of epidemic diseases within a historical context. This volume presents the science of plagues in an understandable and accessible manner, describing the nature and evolution of diseases and conveying their significance in shaping Western culture and civilization. Chapters present individual, independent plague stories complemented by relevant and historical illustrations. Contemporary and emerging diseases are comprehensively detailed.

The nature of plagues -- Plagues, the price of being sedentary -- Six plagues of antiquity -- An ancient plague, the black death -- A modern plague, AIDS -- Typhus, a fever plague -- Malaria, another fever plague -- King cholera -- Smallpox, the spotted plague -- Preventing plagues -- The plague protectors -- The great pox syphilis -- The people's plague: tuberculosis -- Leprosy, the striking hand of God -- Six plagues of Africa -- Plagues without germs -- Plagues on order.