How the Revolutionary War BeganThe American colonists were fed up with British law. They refused to buy English goods. They formed a militia of tradesmen and farmers ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Most importantly; they joined together. All 13 colonies sent representatives to decide whether they should form a new country. That group wrote the Declaration of Independence; the document that summed up a revolution.
#761876 in Books Vintage 2005-05-10 2005-05-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.96 x .74 x 5.20l; .58 #File Name: 0375726020288 pages
Review
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Making epidemiology readableBy Kelly L. NormanDr. Markel has written a very interesting book; one that not only enlightens but stirs emotion about policy (which is pretty hard to do; one must admit). This book discusses some of the more famous epidemics; as well as their effect on immigration laws and practices in the US; and vice versa. Dr. Markel is well qualified to discuss these issues: he was highly involved in helping us understand the SARS virus; its etiology and containment. He also speaks of the victims discussed in the book with caring and respect; leading one to believe that if they came down with the next plague; whether foreign-born or not; one would want this man as one's physician.I have some reservations about the book; however. Its format--discussing each diagnosis separately; in its own chapter--made the book seem choppy. This may be a compliment to the author; rather than a complaint: finishing each chapter left me wanting to know much more about the disease discussed. Also; I did not feel convinced by his argument for policies to contain future epidemics; this could have been flushed out better. And a small thing that didn't figure into my rating but is simply a personal gripe...there is nothing mentioned about the influenza epidemic of the early 1900s. But how many diseases can you fit into a good book?I work at the hospital where Dr. Markel is based; and my coworkers and I are pleased with his success. We're definitely looking forward to more (and even better) books from his pen.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Political lessonsBy Jeffrey HuntingtonThis is a well-written book about the sociology and politics of public health; xenophobia; and epidemics. These subjects are of great relevance today; not just in history; and we can learn from the horrible examples of the past.. There is not much about medicine or epidemiology; which after all; are not just matters of opinion and feelings.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Reviewing America's epidemicsBy Dave SchanGerms did major damage to the Native American population but have had smaller effects on the USA in the past 200+ years as a nation. Still; the relative lack of knowledge about germs has led to massive prejudice against a variety of ethnic groups including Eastern Europeans and Mexicans. The book outlines well the etiology of several outbreaks; the emotional responses in the community at the time; the sometimes effective and sometimes extreme responses of fledgling medical knowledge; and the effects of all of these on those who lived during these times.
