What Doesn't Kill Us: The Most Terrifying Epidemics in Human History and the Heroes Who Fought Them

A witty excursion into the most terrifying epidemics in human history — from the plague to polio — and praises for the heroes who fought them.
In 1518, in a small town in Alsace, Frau Troffea began to dance non-stop until she died six days later. Soon, 34 villagers joined her. Then more. Within a month, the mysterious dancing plague infected over 400 people. In England at the end of the 17th century, an eccentric gentleman founded the 'Club of the Noseless' — a social club for those who had lost their noses and other body parts due to the then incurable syphilis. And in New York at the turn of the century, an Irish cook caused two deadly outbreaks of typhoid fever, earning her the nickname Typhoid Mary.
People have always felt a mystical horror in the face of epidemics and wanted to uncover the reasons behind them. Some theories are too strange to believe. This book tells the grim details of catastrophic disasters that we have endured as a biological species, as well as the heroic figures who selflessly fought to alleviate the suffering of their fellow beings.
Jennifer Wright, in her original style that combines a scientific approach with dark (of course) humor, explores the most shocking and deadly epidemics and their impact on history and humanity.