Flexible Bodies by Emily Martin

Tracking Immunity in American Culture from the Days of Polio to the Age of AIDS

In this insightful exploration of the human immune system, the author delves into the cultural and scientific perceptions of immunity, examining how these views have evolved over time. By weaving together anthropology, biology, and personal narratives, the book reveals how our understanding of the immune system reflects broader societal values and anxieties. It challenges readers to reconsider the rigid boundaries often drawn between the body and its environment, suggesting that flexibility and adaptability are key to both biological and cultural survival.