The Ghost Map

This is a thrilling historical account of the worst cholera outbreak in Victorian London and a brilliant exploration of how Dr. John Snow's solution revolutionized the way we think about disease, cities, science, and the modern world.

The Ghost Map takes place in the summer of 1854. A devastating cholera outbreak seizes London just as it is emerging as a modern city: more than two million people packed into a 10-mile circumference, a hub of travel and commerce, teeming with people from all over the world, continually pushing the limits of infrastructure that's outdated as soon as it's updated. Dr. John Snow, whose ideas about contagion had been dismissed by the scientific community, is spurred to intense action when the people in his neighborhood begin dying. With enthralling suspense, Johnson chronicles Snow's day-by-day efforts as he risks his own life to prove how the epidemic is being spread.

From the dynamic thinker routinely compared to Malcolm Gladwell, E.O. Wilson, and James Gleick, The Ghost Map is a riveting story with a real-life historical hero. It brilliantly illuminates the intertwined histories of the spread of viruses, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry. These are topics that have long obsessed Johnson, and The Ghost Map is a true triumph of the kind of multidisciplinary thinking for which he's become famous. This is a book that, like the work of Jared Diamond, presents both vivid history and a powerful and provocative explanation of what it means for the world we live in.

©2006 Steven Johnson; (P)2006 Tantor Media Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"An illuminating and satisfying read." (Publishers Weekly)
"A formidable gathering of small facts and big ideas." (New York Times Book Review)

Perfect mix of educating and entertaining.

The author maps out the cholera outbreak in mid-19th century England. He writes in a way that's engaging and easy to follow.

I listened to nearly the whole book in one sitting. Very interesting.

Wonderfully written!

A beautifully written account of John Snow and his contributions to science and health at a crucial time in human history.

I didn’t come here to be lectured to

The story is fascinating. The author laid out the background such that it doesn’t take an expert to understand how the case unfolded. However, the last 1.5 hours of audio is little more than a lecture on the future of humanity, obviously missing its mark given the reality of that little viral blip we’ve since experienced. The book could have been tightened up greatly and focused more on fact and less on conjecture.

Great Stuff!

I was already familiar with most of the story, but I loved the detail and personalities. It is not for the squeamish since it deals with sewage systems and human waste, but if you can get over that it is wonderful. It is *not* incongruous to be talking about sociology and mapmaking since this a premier example of mapmaking for sociology and medical science. One of the best science books I have heard.

Interesting History and Urban Geography

This book is really a hidden gem for history buffs. It did a lot to paint a portrait of the lives of the common folks of London, and by extension, other major cities of the mid-19th century. I found its insights into developments in public sanitation and its impact on modern cities very interesting. It also does a good job of showing how early scientists struggled to win support for ideas that we now view as obvious. Also, the book is great for illustrating how seemingly average people can have a big impact on their communities and the world. Finally, one thing it does is make me happy that I don't have to clean any cess-pits. Enjoy.