An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 (Newbery Honor Book)
By Jim MurphyPowerful and riveting, this Newbery Honor-winning narrative describes the illness known as yellow fever, the toll it took on the nation's capital--and the eventual triumph over the disease.
Long before Covid and the West Nile virus, yellow fever was a medical mystery that forced thousands in Philadelphia, the nation's temporary capital, to flee and brought the workings of the federal government to a virtual halt. A riveting account of this country's first large-scale medical epidemic, An American Plague is generously illustrated with archival prints and photographs and includes a bibliography, map, and index.
This is the story of how half the city's residents fled and half of those who remained died; neighboring towns, cities and states barricaded themselves; George Washington himself fled, setting off a constitutional crisis; and bloodletting caused blood to run through the streets. It is also the story of a little known chapter in Black history in which free Blacks nursed the sick only to be later condemned for their heroic efforts.
Meticulously researched, first-hand accounts, newspaper clippings, death lists, and period engravings recreate the fear and panic while exploring the political, social, cultural, medical and scientific history of the times. A final chapter explores the causes of the epidemic and provides a wake-up call about the potential for epidemics today.
Newbery Honor Book * National Book Award Finalist * Winner of the Sibert Medal
show more
Book details
- Hardcover
- 176 pages
- English
- 0395776082
- 9780395776087
About Jim Murphy
an american author of more than 35 nonfiction and fiction books for children, young adults, and general audiences, including more than 30 about american hi Read More about Jim Murphy
More Books By Jim Murphy
People who bought this also bought
Mavericks of the Sky: The First Daring Pilots of the U.S. Air Mail
Used Book
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience book by Brene Brown
New Book
Surrounded by Narcissists : Or, How to Stop Other People's Egos Ruining Your Life
New Book
From Silicon Valley to Swaziland: How One Couple Found Purpose and Adventure in an Encore Career
Used Book
Breaking Barriers: Rising Above the World's Obstacle Course
Used Book
Taming Your Gremlin: A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way
Used Book
Pedestrian Safety Expert Gets Hit by Bus : Another Weird Year of Bizarre News Stories from Around the World
Used Book
Every Man a Hero: A Memoir of D-Day, the First Wave at Omaha Beach, and a World at War
Used Book
Breaking the Illusions: Sicily Kariuki A Memoir book by Sicily Kariuki
New Book