Pathogenesis

Full of amazing facts . . . Pathogenesis doesn't only cover thousands of years of history-it seeks radically to alter the way the reader views many of the (often very well-known) events it describes. -The Guardian The fluency of Kennedy's narration is remarkable, weaving Tolkien, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python into memorable and accessible explanations of genetics, evolutionary biology and demography. . . . Impressive and enjoyable. -The Spectator [Pathogenesis] shines when it brings cutting-edge science to bear on these questions, something that Kennedy treats with great care. . . . Pathogenesis shows a microbial world that is as complex, dynamic, and alive as the human one, and just as consequential. -Financial Times A compelling account of the role of bacteria and viruses in world history . . . Mr Kennedy marshals a dizzying range of material, from the transition from feudalism to capitalism in Europe to the rise of the slave trade. . . . An entertaining read. -The Economist It's not often you pick up a book that promises to alter your entire understanding of the story of humanity. -Lit Hub Most Anticipated Books of 2023 Pathogenesis is superbly written. Kennedy seamlessly weaves together scientific and historical research, and his confident authorial voice is sure to please readers of Yuval Noah Harari or Rutger Bregman. -The Times (U.K.) Thrilling and eye-opening . . . Jonathan Kennedy explores the enormous role played by some of the tiniest life on earth: the power of plagues in shaping world history. -Lewis Dartnell, author of The Knowledge I love this surprising, learned, fascinating book; it brings human arrogance into sharp relief, reminding us that the real masters of the universe are microbes. Mind-blowing stuff. -Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment This book challenges some of the greatest cliches about colonialism and leaves you wondering why you ever gave them the time of day. . . . A revelation. -Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland In a timely updating of William McNeill's Plagues and Peoples, Jonathan Kennedy restores the microbes of infectious disease to their rightful place in the story of human evolution and the rise and fall of civilizations. . . . History at its best. -Mark Honigsbaum, author of The Pandemic Century How a virus might have written human history . . . This is a fascinating, readable, and superbly researched account of how infectious diseases have shaped our history. -David Christian, author of Origin Story Kennedy debuts with a virtuoso analysis of the fallout from encounters between deadly viral and bacterial pathogens and human populations that lacked immunity. . . . The result is a fascinating look at history from the perspective of its tiniest protagonists. -Publishers Weekly (starred review)