The White Plague

Throughout human history, few infections have shaped lives and societies as profoundly as tuberculosis. The White Plague: Tuberculosis Through Centuries of Science, Society & Struggle offers a sweeping, authoritative account of the disease that has claimed more lives than almost any other.Drawing on ancient medical texts, pioneering scientific breakthroughs, and the relentless challenge of modern drug resistance, this book reveals how tuberculosis has endured despite advances in medicine, public policy, and social awareness. From early diagnostic experiments and sanatorium reforms to the age of antibiotics and contemporary global health opposition, the story of TB is one of both tragedy and resilience.Featuring vivid accounts of individual lives touched by the illness, the strategies of disease control, and the scientific pursuits that brought hope and also new problems, this work appeals to readers interested in medical history, public health, and the entwined fate of disease and society.Whether you are a medical professional, a historian, or simply someone fascinated by the hidden forces that shape our world, The White Plague will illuminate why tuberculosis remains not only a medical challenge, but a mirror of humanity's vulnerabilities and strengths.