The book "Epidemics and Society," No. 1 on the World Economic Forum's list of must-read books to contextualize the coronavirus pandemic, examines how mass outbreaks of infectious diseases have shaped society from the Black Death to the present day.

A thorough exploration of the impact of epidemic diseases, this book reveals how these diseases not only affected medical science and public health but also transformed the arts, religion, the history of ideas, and warfare. Snowden addresses issues such as the evolution of medical treatments, plague literature, poverty, the environment, and mass hysteria.

It not only develops the historical dimension of diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and tuberculosis but also examines the impact of recent epidemics and the issue of global preparedness in the face of a new generation of diseases, while in a new preface it discusses the global threat of COVID-19.

"The initial publication of the book coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it has been a valuable handbook, and it is evident that officials from the government apparatus, even at the highest levels, referred to it while trying to manage aspects of the pandemic in Greece."

"The book includes the main pandemic episodes recorded in human history along with their key historical and sociological effects. Above all, it makes clear to the reader that each pandemic has left its mark for many years after its end. Several have left their mark on everyday behaviors and interactions to this day."

...Given what has happened in recent months, Frank Snowden's book is one of the most valuable writings of our time.

"Snowden examines the ways in which disease outbreaks shaped political affairs, crushed revolutions, and entrenched racial and economic discrimination. His narrative is of gigantic scope, spanning many centuries and continents, while simultaneously attempting to explain how social structures allowed diseases to thrive."

"An extremely useful, extensive overview of the multiple links between epidemic diseases and historical change and evolution."

"Illuminating and constructive, filled with fascinating details. […] A wonderful –and terrifying– description of a powerful and ever-present threat to humanity."

"Excellent, awakening."

"Extremely well-written, timely, and captivating."

"The Earth is the planet where 100 million coronaviruses can comfortably fit on the head of a pin. The even 'worse' part is that the history of empires, arts, and religions is not written by leaders or people, as we believe. History is written by microbes."

HISTORICAL PATHWAYS - Series editor: Kostas Koutis

History is the word we have chosen from the ancient Greek intellectual armory to bring together the past, present, and future. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the way we understand the past necessarily defines our ability to understand the present, as well as our efforts to predict the future.

Within this logic, the series "Historical Pathways" aims to include books that share history as a common denominator, without necessarily being history books. Economics, social theory, political science, and anthropology are incorporated into the series' perspective to the extent and degree that they utilize a historical understanding of time. The authors of the series' books, moreover, discuss their subjects in a way that attempts to transcend traditional certainties in their field, so as to satisfy two of the primary demands of their art, which are questioning and innovation.