The Plague Race: A Scientific Odyssey: A Tale of Fear, Science and Heroism

by EdwardMarriott (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2002

  $3.25

  A modern take on that universally fascinating subject - plague As Ed Marriott discovered while researching this brilliant new book, plague is a powerful subject. As well as being a seriously nasty disease, it has its own fascinating history and mythology, and is virulent not only in its epidemics, but also in its fear factor. In PLAGUE, Marriott tells the story of the moment when one brave scientist unlocked the enigma at the heart of the disease. This took place in Hong Kong 100 years ago, during an outbreak that threatened to decimate the island. A tense and frightening race was run by two rival scientists: the French Yersin - a brave, rough and intelligent man - and the suave Kitasako, unscrupulous, enigmatic, popular - and just plain wrong. Peppered with anecdotes, facts and terrifying reconstructions of modern plague outbreaks, this book is a totally absorbing and compelling read. And we are left with some disquietingly sinister thoughts on the likelihood of another outbreak.

• Used

  Paperback
  2003

  $3.40

  An inspiring story of scientific endeavour and human bravery, The Plague Race is the story of one brave scientist who made an amazing discovery made in Hong Kong 100 years ago - during an outbreak of the plague that threatened to decimate the island and, from there, the world. A tense and frightening race was run in appalling conditions by two rival scientists: Alexandre Yersin - rigorous, solitary, cerebral - and the suave Kitasako, unscrupulous, enigmatic, careless. Spiced with anecdotes, facts and chilling reconstructions, this book is an enthralling work of narrative history. And Marriott's investigations into plague in the modern world bring some disturbing facts to light. 'Beautifully written ...Marriott's discourse encompasses empire, science and discovery as well as prejudice... The Plague Race is part history, part thesis, part thriller. As an investigation, it is all-entrancing' - Observer .