Human Disease

In this landmark book of popular science, Daniel E. Lieberman—chair of the department of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and a leader in the field—gives us a lucid and engaging account of how the human body evolved over millions of years, even as it shows how the increasing...

In 1665, an infectious disease swept through the British capital and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. It would take another two hundred years for the cause of the Great Plague of London to be confirmed: a powerful bacterium called Yersinia pestis. In those centuries, our understanding of diseases was transformed. In So Very Small, Thomas Levenson reveals how human hubris led us to overestimate our own ability and underestimate the threat that microorganisms truly pose.

Plagues upon the Earth is a monumental history of humans and their germs. Weaving together a grand narrative of global history with insights from cutting-edge genetics, Kyle Harper explains why humanity’s uniquely dangerous disease pool is rooted deep in our evolutionary past, and why its growth is accelerated by technological progress. He shows that the story of disease is entangled with the history of slavery, colonialism, and capitalism, and reveals the enduring effects of historical plagues all around us, in patterns of wealth, health, power, and inequality.

Brought to you by Penguin. A mind-expanding, revolutionary journey across time that shows how our biology has determined human history for the first time. This book will change how you see the world. We’re a wonder of evolution, capable of incredible feats. But we’re also deeply flawed. Our...

Obesity, autism, mental health problems, IBS, allergies, auto-immunity, cancer. Does the answer to the modern epidemic of ‘Western’ diseases lie in our gut? You are 10% human. For every one of your cells, there are nine impostors hitching a ride. You are not just flesh and bone, but also...

"Eyeopening... Fascinating... may presage a paradigm shift in medicine.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Teeming with information and big ideas... Outstanding.” —Booklist (starred review) The origin of asthma, autism, Alzheimer's, allergies, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and even...

In a clear, lively style, Barnes offers general overviews of every variety of disease and their carriers, from insects and worms through rodent vectors to household pets and farm animals. She devotes whole chapters to major infectious diseases such as leprosy, syphilis, smallpox, and influenza. Other chapters concentrate on categories of diseases ("gut bugs", for example, including cholera, typhus, and salmonella).

In Disability Is Human, she brings the same energy and insights from her popular presentations and workshops to nearly every industry—where Dr. Cawthon has empowered, encouraged, and supported thousands of people in their journey toward greater access.

Invisible Invaders is a gripping narrative history of humanity’s battle against infectious diseases, from the Plague of Justinian to the global response to COVID-19. With vivid storytelling and deep research, it explores how societies have responded to pandemics with fear, innovation, and resilience. Each chapter highlights a pivotal moment in medical history, showcasing the doctors, patients, and public health pioneers who shaped our understanding of disease. This sweeping, accessible book offers insight into past plagues—and what they can teach us about the threats of tomorrow.

This book offers a detailed exploration of the Black Plague's journey through medieval Europe, Asia, and Africa. While it details the human suffering and societal breakdowns caused by the pandemic, it also highlights the remarkable resilience of the survivors. The book examines how the plague sparked innovation in public health, inspired artistic and literary masterpieces, and transformed social structures, ultimately leading to the cultural rebirth of the Renaissance.

I almost died in 2014. Hearing those deafening words - "it is stage three" - tore me up. But I promised myself that if I made it to the five year remission mark and was still cancer free that I would make it count. As a syndicated columnist for Authority Magazine and Thrive Global, I have interviewed nearly 175 cancer survivors from all walks of life. In this audiobook, I share the true stories of 35 of those survivors and what they learned physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from this very difficult experience which has forever shaped their worldview.