Pandemics can come in waves—like tidal waves. They change societies. They disrupt life. They end lives. As far back as 3000 B.C.E. (the Bronze Age), plagues have stricken mankind. COVID-19 is just the latest example, but history shows that life continues. It shows that knowledge and social cooperation can save lives.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The beginning of the end -- Early medicine -- The Black Death -- The plagues of London -- Plagues of Africa and the tropics -- Smallpox in the New World -- Sexually transmitted infections -- Addiction -- Do-or-die battles -- The 1918 flu -- Coronaviruses -- Living with pathagens.