Our Bodies, Our Planet

A Parasite’s History of Us

Prof. Marcus Hall

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Hardback

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English

Reaktion Books
15 September 2025

Medical parasitology; Popular science

Parasites and parasitic relationships are fundamental to life on Earth and to human history. Our Bodies, Our Planet explores how vital they are. Unlike harmful pathogens, parasites may produce no ill effects and may even improve our well-being and the lives of the creatures that surround us. Marcus Hall shows how our fellow travellers have evolved to help keep us alive, else they themselves will perish.

Parasitism is a phenomenon of partnership, and the association of parasite and host has had far-ranging cultural, biological and possibly geophysical consequences. From Ascaris to Zika, we are instinctively repulsed by these little freeloaders, but what collateral effects do they have on our lives, lifestyles and imaginations? As Hall demonstrates, we disregard our parasites at our peril.

'An illuminating historical tour of the human microbiome...

The most thought-provoking book I've read in ages.'

J. R. McNeill, author of The Webs of Humankind

'Hall takes us on an exhilarating journey, upending preconceptions and accepted wisdom, and encouraging us to embrace our inner parasites.'

Nicole Boivin, Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology and Honorary Professor, School of Social Science, University of Queensland

'An excellent and challenging book.'

James McCann, Professor Emeritus of History, Boston University

By: Prof. Marcus Hall
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781836391074
ISBN 10: 1836391072
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 15 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Marcus Hall is Professor of Environmental History at the University of Zurich. His books include Earth Repair (2005), Restoration and History (2009) and Mosquitopia (with Dan Tamr, 2021).

Reviews for Our Bodies, Our Planet: A Parasite’s History of Us

Marcus Hall takes readers on an illuminating historical tour of the human microbiome, arguing that we should consider extending the conservationist agenda to the many parasites that call us home. The most thought-provoking book I’ve read in ages. * J. R. McNeill, author of The Webs of Humankind and Something New Under the Sun *