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32 pages 1 hour read

Steven Johnson

The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic—and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World

Steven JohnsonNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Steven Johnson

The Ghost Map

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

299

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

London • 1850s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson details the 1854 cholera outbreak in London's Soho district, focusing on the investigative efforts of Dr. John Snow and Reverend Henry Whitehead who uncover that the epidemic's source is contaminated water from the Broad Street well, challenging the prevailing miasma theory of disease transmission. The narrative connects this historical event to broader themes of urban development, public health, and the evolution of modern cities. The book includes detailed descriptions of illness and death.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Suspenseful

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.1

56,089 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Steven Johnson's The Ghost Map is celebrated for its gripping account of the 1854 cholera outbreak in London, praised for blending science, history, and detective work. Critics commend its compelling narrative and insightful analysis, though some find its occasional digressions distracting. It's a thought-provoking read, merging storytelling with academic rigor.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ghost Map?

Readers who appreciate gripping narratives in nonfiction and the intersection of science, history, and public health will enjoy Steven Johnson's The Ghost Map. Fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City or Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will find it particularly engaging.

4.1

56,089 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

299

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

London • 1850s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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