Plagues in the Nation: How Epidemics Shaped America (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780807043493)

An expert legal review of the US government's response to epidemics through history--with larger conclusions about COVID-19, and reforms needed for the next plague

In this narrative history of the US through major outbreaks of contagious disease, from yellow fever to the Spanish flu, from HIV/AIDS to Ebola, Polly J. Price examines how law and government affected the outcome of epidemics--and how those outbreaks in turn shaped our government.

Price presents a fascinating history that has never been fully explored and draws larger conclusions about the gaps in our governmental and legal response. Plagues in the Nation examines how our country learned--and failed to learn--how to address the panic, conflict, and chaos that are the companions of contagion, what policies failed America again and again, and what we must do better next time.

Author: Polly J. Price
ISBN-10: 0807043494
ISBN-13: 9780807043493
Publisher: Beacon Press
Language: English
Published: 05/10/2022
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.80w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 03/14/2022
Booklist 04/01/2022 pg. 6