Plague: A Very Short Introduction

Throughout history plague has caused some of the greatest periods of hardship for humanity, from the Black Death to the Great Plague of London. This book explores the causes of plague, the presence of plague in art and literature, and the lasting impact of the disease on how people and governments behave when threatened by epidemic crises.

Explores the historical impact of the plague over the centuries, focussing on how people coped with the disease and how governments fought it

Examines the impact of plague on settlements, local histories, art and literature, and in film

Explores the causes of historic plagues

Reflects upon the impact plagues of the past have had on modern ideas of public health

Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over ten million copies sold worldwide

New to this edition

Considers the modern day resonance of the plague with issues such as Coronavirus

Incorporates very recent evidence on the nature of plague gained from work on ancient DNA, which settles some old disputes about plague

Includes recently published work on plague in the Middle East