Plagues And People by William H. McNeill

"Plagues and People" is a pioneering work that examines the complex relationship between human societies and infectious diseases over the centuries. The book explores how waves of epidemics have influenced health, social, and political outcomes across different civilizations, shaping the course of human history. By analyzing the impact of widespread diseases from ancient times through the modern era, it highlights the role of infectious outbreaks in precipitating demographic shifts, altering societal structures, and influencing the rise and fall of empires. The narrative underscores the interplay between disease and human progress, revealing how humanity's efforts to control and mitigate the effects of plagues have driven advancements in medicine and public health.

The 9030th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 1976, there is a penalty of 3.2%. The age adjusted score is 31.94.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.