80 pages • 2 hours read
The Great Influenza
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Book Brief
546
Book • Nonfiction
Worldwide • 1910s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History by John M. Barry chronicles the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic within the context of World War I and American scientific progress, highlighting the contributions of key medical figures like William Welch and Simon Flexner. It delves into the virus's origins, its global spread, the efforts to develop a vaccine, and the lasting impact on society, supported by primary sources and scientific analysis. The book discusses the immense global loss of life during the influenza pandemic.
Informative
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
52,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John M. Barry's The Great Influenza is widely praised for its thorough research on the 1918 influenza pandemic, blending medical science with personal narratives. Readers appreciate its detailed historical context and engaging storytelling. Some critics, however, find its depth dense and occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it is a compelling and informative read on a pivotal health crisis.
Who Should Read The Great Influenza?
Readers who enjoy The Great Influenza by John M. Barry are typically history buffs and science enthusiasts intrigued by pandemics. Comparable to John Snow's Ghost Map and Richard Preston's The Hot Zone, Barry’s narrative will captivate those interested in the intersection of historical events, medicine, and societal impacts.
52,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Welch
William Welch
Known as the "Dean of American Medicine," he was instrumental in founding the Johns Hopkins Hospital and influenced nearly every major American scientist of the 20th century through his role in medical education and research.
Paul Lewis
Paul Lewis
An American pathologist and virologist who worked at the Rockefeller Institute during the influenza pandemic, dedicated to finding a vaccine despite challenges in his research methodology and later pursuing work on yellow fever in Brazil.
Oswald Avery
Oswald Avery
A Canadian physician and researcher at the Rockefeller Institute, noted for his methodical approach in the laboratory and key discoveries in pneumonia research, ultimately leading to the recognition of DNA's role in genetics.
546
Book • Nonfiction
Worldwide • 1910s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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