The History of Vulnerability. How Illnesses Have Determined What People Think, Believe, and Buy Since Ancient Times

Each of us has faced illness — whether it's a mild cold or a serious disease. But did you know that these invisible enemies not only attack our bodies but also change the course of history, shape culture, and define the future of humanity? "The History of Vulnerability" is an exciting journey through the centuries, revealing amazing connections between diseases and our lives. The author offers a unique perspective on history, discussing how epidemics and pandemics, from ancient times to the present day, have influenced politics, economics, science, and art.

"Before you is one of the captivating examples of historical literature in recent years — an intelligent, profound, and easily readable book that changes the way we see the world. It is not a 'history of medicine' in the conventional sense, but something much more fundamental. Susan Bauer demonstrates that how people explained illness in each era directly determined their worldview, their religion, their politics, their attitude towards outsiders, and even the architecture of their everyday lives. Illness is a prism through which the entire civilization can be seen." — Alexey Moskalev, Director of the Institute of Biology of Aging and Medicine for Healthy Longevity with the Preventive Medicine Clinic of the RNC of Academy B.V. Petrovsky, Ministry of Education and Science