The American Plague

The Untold Story of Yellow Fever, The Epidemic That Shaped Our History

By: Molly Caldwell Crosby

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Over the course of history, yellow fever has paralyzed governments, halted commerce, quarantined cities, moved the U.S. capital, and altered the outcome of wars. During a single summer in Memphis alone, it cost more lives than the Chicago fire, the San Francisco earthquake, and the Johnstown flood combined.

In 1900, the U.S. sent three doctors to Cuba to discover how yellow fever was spread. There, they launched one of history's most controversial human studies. Compelling and terrifying, The American Plague depicts the story of yellow fever and its reign in this country - and in Africa, where even today it strikes thousands every year. With "arresting tales of heroism," it is a story as much about the nature of human beings as it is about the nature of disease.

©2006 Molly Caldwell Crosby (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Gripping...highly readable." Newsweek

Excellent Book

This book was extremely well written and her research was thorough and in-depth. I also enjoyed how it was written more as story rather than a clinical treatise.

Detailed history narrated quite well

I was naturally intrigued by this book given my experience with mosquito-borne and other infectious diseases. Loved the simplicity in writing and the clarity of its narration. Well done!

Engaging Historical Non-Fiction

I really enjoyed this audiobook and the author's writing. Like most audiobooks, once I was used to the narration, it was great. I am familiar with the city of Memphis. Learning how impactful yellow fever was to its development has brought the present day into a new perspective. The court square fountain had champagne in it! I'm nostalgic for a time and place that I didn't know.

Details of destruction and Courage of medical researchere.

researchers. I am stressed by the pace and stress if modern life its good to take a serious look at the "good old days". This story of Memphis, Cuba, Panama, and back to Africa is a reminder of how incredibly fortunate we are to live in a time and place where we are largely free of the diseases that destroyed 70% of residents in some towns.
The personal and family stories of the caregivers and researchers who dedicated their lives, and GAVE their lives to finding the cause and exploring treatments is interesting g

Very informative

I learned so much about Memphis history that I did not know. Fascinating true story.