The Wisdom of Plagues is an interesting layman accessible nonfiction monograph on his experiences in science reporting by Donald G. McNeil Jr. Released 9th Jan 2024 by Simon & Schuster, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. It makes it so easy to find information with the search function.
Although much the language of pandemics as well as most people's interactions and awareness of pandemics are inevitably tied to Covid-19 and the media and reporting of that specific occurrence, there have been many (many!) other contagions and Mr. McNeil does a good job of integrating sociology, media, awareness, and education in general as well as to his experience covering science beats for the last 25 years. There's quite a lot of introspection and supposition on the part of the author, a lot of "what if" and "how to use this knowlege", and "what could be in store?". It's illuminating to read. Coming from a science background, and understanding a lot more about the biological mechanics involved and quite little about humans and their herd psychology, very much of this info was completely new.
The book is divided into four distinct sections: initial reflections (how he got where he is), what if (covid, monkeypox, etc), human factors, rules and regulations and how they can mitigate and impact future pandemics (and if nothing else is set in stone, that fact is, that there *WILL* be a next time).
Although it's written in accessible and easy to understand language, it is rigorously annotated and the chapter notes and bibliography are likely worth the price of admission on their own merits.
Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for public and tertiary institutions of higher learning, home use, and for fans of popular scientific writing.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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