The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World
Oct 2006 · Sold by Penguin
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About this ebook
A National Bestseller, a New York Times Notable Book, and an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year from the author of Extra Life
“By turns a medical thriller, detective story, and paean to city life, Johnson's account of the outbreak and its modern implications is a true page-turner.” —The Washington Post
“Thought-provoking.” —Entertainment Weekly
It's the summer of 1854, and London is just emerging as one of the first modern cities in the world. But lacking the infrastructure-garbage removal, clean water, sewers-necessary to support its rapidly expanding population, the city has become the perfect breeding ground for a terrifying disease no one knows how to cure. As the cholera outbreak takes hold, a physician and a local curate are spurred to action-and ultimately solve the most pressing medical riddle of their time.
In a triumph of multidisciplinary thinking, Johnson illuminates the intertwined histories of the spread of disease, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry, offering both a riveting history and a powerful explanation of how it has shaped the world we live in.
“By turns a medical thriller, detective story, and paean to city life, Johnson's account of the outbreak and its modern implications is a true page-turner.” —The Washington Post
“Thought-provoking.” —Entertainment Weekly
It's the summer of 1854, and London is just emerging as one of the first modern cities in the world. But lacking the infrastructure-garbage removal, clean water, sewers-necessary to support its rapidly expanding population, the city has become the perfect breeding ground for a terrifying disease no one knows how to cure. As the cholera outbreak takes hold, a physician and a local curate are spurred to action-and ultimately solve the most pressing medical riddle of their time.
In a triumph of multidisciplinary thinking, Johnson illuminates the intertwined histories of the spread of disease, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry, offering both a riveting history and a powerful explanation of how it has shaped the world we live in.
A National Bestseller, a New York Times Notable Book, and an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year from the author of Extra Life
“By turns a medical thriller, detective story, and paean to city life, Johnson's account of the outbreak and its modern implications is a true page-turner.” —The...
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37 reviews
A Google user
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July 30, 2012
I was required to read this book as a summer project my freshman year in the Baylor Honors Program. I have to admit, I didn't have high expectations, despite my love of reading. However, it was incredibly interesting. I have a new-found appreciation for medical knowledge.
Micheal Froom
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February 23, 2026
me and my husband read this book as we traveled between cities. the imagery that he gives is majority of heartbreaking. I learned a lot more than I thought I was going to learn. a random choice. everything was clear and easy to follow. the social and political systems were on point. the scientific community didn't want to admit it's not miasma. it's in the water on Broad Street. on to the next!
Sarah Paul
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February 17, 2019
This book was reccomend to me by a friend, I read it in under a week. Weird, unique subject matter put together in a fascinating narrative that also connects it to the modern day.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Steven Johnson is the bestselling author of thirteen books, including Where Good Ideas Come From, How We Got to Now, and Extra Life. He’s the host and cocreator of the Emmy-winning PBS/BBC series How We Got to Now, the host of the podcast The TED Interview, and the author of the newsletter Adjacent Possible. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, and Marin County, California, with his wife and three sons.
Steven Johnson is the bestselling author of thirteen books, including Where Good Ideas Come From, How We Got to Now, and Extra Life. He’s the host and cocreator of the Emmy-winning PBS/BBC series How We Got to Now, the host of the podcast The TED Interview, and the author of the newsletter Adjace...
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