Deadly Companions

How Microbes Shaped Our History

By: Dorothy H. Crawford

Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon

Ever since we started huddling together in communities, the story of human history has been inextricably entwined with the story of microbes. They have evolved and spread amongst us, shaping our culture through infection, disease, and pandemic. At the same time, our changing human culture has itself influenced the evolutionary path of microbes. Dorothy H. Crawford here shows that one cannot be truly understood without the other.

Beginning with a dramatic account of the SARS pandemic at the start of the 21st century, she takes us back in time to follow the interlinked history of microbes and man, taking an up-to-date look at ancient plagues and epidemics, and identifying key changes in the way humans have lived - such as our move from hunter-gatherer to farmer to city-dweller - which made us vulnerable to microbe attack.

Showing how we live our lives today - with increasing crowding and air travel - puts us once again at risk, Crawford asks whether we might ever conquer microbes completely, or whether we need to take a more microbe-centric view of the world. Among the possible answers, one thing becomes clear: that for generations to come, our deadly companions will continue to shape human history.

©2007 Dorothy H. Crawford (P)2018 Tantor

Fantastic writing, research and narration!

Loved this book! Dorothy Crawford was ahead of her time when she wrote this original 2007 edition. Here we are in 2021 living out her warnings. This book is not written in th stuffy way of a textbook, but Crawford's research is worthy of a textbook designation.

A bit about the narrator. She brought Crawford's research to life with clarity of speech and proper emphasis without over dramatized the subject matter. The reader will find that there was no fluctuations of voice required with this topic.

It's pretty cool, too, that Crawford borrowed from an Anthony Fauci quote the title of her book.

Absolutely fascinating! To understand our current Covid-19 pandemic this book is a MUST read!!

Class

I was to read this book for my microbiology class. This was an interesting book, of course I have the physical copy. I really liked hearing and reading the book.

This needs you to pay attention

This sums up all that has happened it’s clear and understandable. No money grubbing person can overlook this just for the sake of making a few bucks and that’s what’s been happening people. If you’re related to one of them slap them in the face and tell him to wake up. I love you anyway

Great info.

The info was pre-COVID but still good info. The reader was very good and made the info understandable.

Facinating read in the midst of COVID-19

Provides background and context to how killer microbes effect our everyday lives and what we must do to keep them at bay.