Angel of Death (Hardcover) - The Story of Smallpox

Angel of Death is a lively and powerful account of our battle against smallpox, the only disease that mankind has successfully eradicated from the planet. By weaving previously unrecorded voices in with the personal experiences of colourful historical figures such as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Edward Jenner, Gareth Williams brings alive one of the most exciting success stories in the history of medicine. His book also gives original and engaging insights into the anti-vaccination campaigns which remain active today, and into the many unlearned lessons of smallpox. Angel of Death will appeal to all those moved by the excitement of discovery and stories of people fighting against adversity, and to anyone interested in history or medicine.`This extraordinary book brings alive the sheer; horrors of smallpox and how mankind has managed to wipe it out using vaccination, pioneered by a Gloucestershire country doctor in 1796. This history has a very modern message, and this book needs to be read by everyone interested in public health today.'Mark Horton, presenter of BBC TV's Coast and Professor of Archaeology, University of Bristol`Angel of Death is a fascinating account of the most terrible disease to afflict mankind. Gareth Williams charts this compelling story with a plot that weaves seamlessly between cultures and centuries. Written in a wonderfully flowing and engaging style, this is a must read for all lovers of history. Highly relevant for today as the fight lives on to banish other deadly diseases from the world.'Sarah Parker, Director, Edward Jenner Museum Angel of Death tells a lively and powerful tale: the story of our battle against smallpox, once humankind's greatest killer, but ultimately the only disease that we have successfully eradicated from the planet. By skilfully weaving together previously neglected voices with the personal experiences of colourful historical figures such as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Edward Jenner, Gareth Williams breathes life into one of the most exciting success stories in the history of medicine.Filled with original and fascinating insights into the anti-vaccination movement and the alarming unlearned lessons of smallpox, Angel of Death will appeal to all those moved by the thrill of discovery and the individual's fight against adversity.Angel of Death is a?lively and powerful account of our battle against smallpox, the only disease that mankind has successfully eradicated from the planet. By weaving previously unrecorded voices in with the personal experiences of colourful historical figures such as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Edward Jenner, Gareth Williams brings alive one of the most exciting success stories in the history of medicine. His book also gives original and engaging insights into the anti-vaccination campaigns which remain active today, and into the many unlearned lessons of smallpox. Angel of Death will appeal to all those moved by the excitement of discovery and stories of people fighting against adversity, and to anyone interested in history or medicine.