Rabid

A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus

De: Bill Wasik, Monica Murphy

Narrado por: Johnny Heller

A maddened creature, frothing at the mouth, lunges at an innocent victim—and with a bite, transforms its prey into another raving monster. It’s a scenario that underlies our darkest tales of supernatural horror, but its power derives from a very real virus, a deadly scourge known to mankind from our earliest days. In this fascinating exploration, journalist Bill Wasik and veterinarian Monica Murphy chart four thousand years in the history, science, and cultural mythology of rabies.

The most fatal virus known to science, rabies kills nearly 100 percent of its victims once the infection takes root in the brain. A disease that spreads avidly from animals to humans, rabies has served as a symbol of savage madness and inhuman possession throughout history. Today, its history can help shed light on the wave of emerging diseases—from AIDS to SARS to avian flu—with origins in animal populations.

From Greek myths to zombie flicks, from the laboratory heroics of Louis Pasteur to the contemporary search for a lifesaving treatment, Rabid is a fresh, fascinating, and often wildly entertaining look at one of mankind’s oldest and most fearsome foes.

Bill Wasik is a senior editor at Wired magazine and was previously a senior editor at Harper’s, where he wrote on culture, media, and politics. He is the editor of the anthology Submersion Journalism and has also written for Oxford American, Slate, Salon, and McSweeney’s.

©2012 Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[An] ambitious and smart history of the virus…. The authors track how science tried to tame the scourge, with its ravaging neurological effects. Yet the rare tales of modern survivors only underscore that, despite the existence of treatment through a series of injections, we're at a stalemate in conquering rabies." ( Publishers Weekly)

"[Wasik and Murphy] place the world's deadliest virus in its historical and cultural context with a scientifically sound and compelling history that begins in ancient Mesopotamia and ends in twenty-first-century Bali…Readable, fascinating, informative, and occasionally gruesome, this is highly recommended for anyone interested in medical history or the cultural history of disease." ( Library Journal)

Frightening yet balanced with truth perspective

I read this book during the COVID 19 pandemic. What an interesting time to reflect on the folklore and science that accompanied beliefs and treatment of Rabbies! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a love for science & medicine.

Hmmmmm

Started slow but got really intriguing as it went on. I would definitely read this again. It was interesting on how the doctors tried to combat rabies and how other diseases so called came about, such as aids from a monkey because someone injected monkey blood for to achieve sexual prowess.

Interesting, but not the most focused book

This book contains a wealth of information, probably more than anyone could ever wish to know on the subject of rabies. The chapter focusing on the work of Louis Pasteur was particularly engaging. However, many of the connections that the authors attempt to draw between rabies and other aspects of life and culture seem tangential at best. While it’s cool that zombies and vampires were likely influenced by rabies, I doubt that a whole chapter on the subject was required.

On the whole: the book was decent, but you could probably skip a few of the chapters without suffering any great loss.

Very eye opening!

Very eye opening, need to get the bat out of my basement! Great book indeed

Fascinating

So fascinating, been on my list for years. Highly recommend any vet techs or anyone with dogs ready this. Vaccinate!