Typhoid Mary

An Urban Historical

By: Anthony Bourdain

Narrated by: Nathan Osgood

Bloomsbury presents Typhoid Mary by Anthony Bourdain, read by Nathan Osgood.

From the host of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and bestselling author of Kitchen Confidential comes the true, thrilling story of Mary Mallon, otherwise known as the infamous Typhoid Mary.

This is a tale of pursuit through the kitchens of New York City at the turn of the century. By the late nineteenth century, it seemed that New York City had put an end to the outbreaks of typhoid fever that had so frequently decimated the city's population. That is until 1904, when the disease broke out in a household in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Authorities suspected the family cook, Mary Mallon, of being a carrier. But before she could be tested, the woman, soon to be known as Typhoid Mary, had disappeared. Over the course of the next three years, Mary worked at several residences, spreading her pestilence as she went. In 1907, she was traced to a home on Park Avenue, and taken into custody.

Institutionalized at Riverside Hospital for three years, she was released only when she promised never to work as a cook again. She promptly disappeared. For the next five years Mary worked in homes and institutions in and around New York, often under assumed names. In February 1915, a devastating outbreak of typhoid at the Sloane Hospital for Women was traced to her. She was finally apprehended and reinstitutionalized at Riverside Hospital, where she would remain for the rest of her life. Typhoid Mary is the story of her infamous life.

Anthony Bourdain reveals the seedier side of the early 1900s, and writes with his renowned panache about life in the kitchen, uncovering the horrifying conditions that allowed the deadly spread of typhoid over a decade. Typhoid Mary is a true feast for history lovers and Bourdain lovers alike.©2010 Anthony Bourdain (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

More to Mary than meets the eye

Interesting look into history as well as the history of “Typhoid Mary”
Love the chef’s viewpoint

Insight into the history of our he culinary world

Very good insight on kitchens through the perspective of Anthony Bourdain. Rip. Short listen, well research topic , would recommend.

The small details about cooking in the 1890s and early 20th century.

Story is great. Very relatable. Would definitely recommend to people that work in and out of the kitchen .

A Yummy Listen

I listened to the audiobook of "Typhoid Mary" by Anthony Bourdain and, while I was a little disappointed that Bourdain himself doesn’t narrate, Nathan Osgood does a great job (he’s read some of Bourdain’s other audiobooks too, so the voice feels familiar). The book is packed with information I didn’t know, though I do wish it had been a bit longer—it’s only about four hours.

This is a non-fiction historical account of Mary Mallon’s life, and what makes it stand out is Bourdain’s unique perspective. He looks at her story not just as a historical figure, but also through the eyes of a professional cook, which adds a really interesting layer. He doesn’t stick strictly to this angle the whole time, but his research is solid and the analysis feels complete.

The story is engaging for the most part, and Bourdain’s personal observations are lively and entertaining. I came away feeling like I learned a lot—not just about "Typhoid" Mary herself, but also about the era she lived in. If you’re interested in history, food, or just want something a little different, this audiobook is worth a listen.

History as told by a creative writer

A historical sorry told with creative writing sense and humor. Worth a listen if you like either or both of those things.