Well written, easy to understand book discussing the connections between germs, genes and civilizations. I would recommend this as an introductory text to the subject. More details and a full reference list would have been nice. ( )

Really interesting book. I learned a lot. ( )

I found this book very interesting. My only real criticism is that there is slight repetition (which I feel could be overcome by better editing) and a lack of numbered references. This may be a deliberate move to make it more readable but I am interested in pursuing the evidence. This book would be ideal for anyone interested in how pathogens spread, why some bring civilisations to their knees when others barely cause any bother. A fascinating read. ( )

Very informative book on epidemics throughout the world and time. Very detailed on European plagues with some interesting insights. A bit repetitive at times and I felt it missed some reference to background information from the literature on the subject. ( )

We are all familiar with the stories of the Black Death -- epidemics of plague that wreaked havoc upon medieval communities. Many of us also know how Smallpox devastated the native American population, paving the way for European colonization. What is less known is how disease was behind some of the more cataclysmic events in human history. The fall of the Roman Empire. The rise and fall of the world's religions (it is still happening today -- STDs such as AIDS are paving the way for sexually-repressive religions such as Islam). The germination of today;s pandemics, or would-be bouts of pestilence.

Ever since mankind started to congregate in cities, epidemics, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal, have been an unwelcome side-effect of high population density. Humans aren't the only victims -- our livestock and crops also are prone for the same reasons we are.

The pathology of these diseases is also fascinating in their own right. A deadly virus such as Ebola has a high mortality rate right now, but has trivial effect upon other animals that incubate the virus. A viral or bacterial contagion can sweep through an un-exposed community with a devastatingly high mortality rate. But as long as that rate is less than 100%, there will be survivors with an accidental resistance to the infection. In true Darwinian fashion, they will continue to breed, and by the time population is back to critical mass, there is a much higher percentage of resistance and the ensuing plague will be commensurately weaker. Lather, rinse, repeat, and after a time what was once a death sentence is now a sick day off of work.

Smallpox and syphilis plagues created a manpower shortage that lead to the industrial revolution in the west. The prosperity of those nations today can be traced back to this pivotal time in history. Overcrowded third world nations of today have been largely unsuccessful leveraging industry and technology mostly because a vast number of impoverished people can't support it economically. These same countries are also hotbeds of new, novel diseases, although many of the oldies, such as malaria, still rack up prodigious body counts.

Because microbiology is a relatively new science, Clark uses conjecture and vague references to make his case on the role of disease shaping the course of human events. But he does so in a very plausible manner. Wars, politics and religious upheaval make a little more sense now, although the idea that such things will inevitably continue can be rather disconcerting. On the plus side, we have made big strides these past 200 years when it comes to combating biological disasters. Our population explosion to 7 billion is testament to our success. But this doesn't mean we are immune to an upwards of 80% haircut...and in today's global environment, such a plague could hit everywhere at once. The stuff of scientific horror movies and novels? You bet. But keep in mind, the best science fiction is that based in science fact. ( )