Simon Schama meticulously recounts moments in the 18th and 19th centuries when humanity teetered between the fear of contagion and the potential of new science, in a cultural history which hits home for us all. Shifting seamlessly between smallpox and cholera epidemics in Europe and outbreaks of deadly plague in Asia, the book centres on an astonishing cast of characters. Perhaps most notable is Jewish microbiologist Waldemar Haffkine, creator of the world’s very first production line of vaccines in Mumbai. A compelling discussion chaired by Andrew Lownie.
