Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways

Thomas J Bollyky

238 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by MIT Press Ltd, 2019

0262537966 / 9780262537964

  • Softcover
  • Used
See all details

Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.World of Books Inc

4-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Softcover

Condition: Used - Good

£ 7.15

 Free Shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: 3 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Why the news about the global decline of infectious diseases is not all good. Plagues and parasites have played a central role in world affairs, shaping the evolution of the modern state, the growth of cities, and the disparate fortunes of national economies. This book tells that story, but it is not about the resurgence of pestilence. It is the story of its decline. For the first time in recorded history, virus, bacteria, and other infectious diseases are not the leading cause of death or disability in any region of the world. People are living longer, and fewer mothers are giving birth to many children in the hopes that some might survive. And yet, the news is not all good. Recent reductions in infectious disease have not been accompanied by the same improvements in income, job opportunities, and governance that occurred with these changes in wealthier countries decades ago. There have also been unintended consequences. In this book, Thomas Bollyky explores the paradox in our fight against infectious disease: the world is getting healthier in ways that should make us worry. Bollyky interweaves a grand historical narrative about the rise and fall of plagues in human societies with contemporary case studies of the consequences. Bollyky visits Dhaka-one of the most densely populated places on the planet-to show how low-cost health tools helped enable the phenomenon of poor world megacities. He visits China and Kenya to illustrate how dramatic declines in plagues have affected national economies. Bollyky traces the role of infectious disease in the migrations from Ireland before the potato famine and to Europe from Africa and elsewhere today. Historic health achievements are remaking a world that is both worrisome and full of opportunities. Whether the peril or promise of that progress prevails, Bollyky explains, depends on what we do next. A Council on Foreign Relations Book.…

Seller Inventory # CIN0262537966G

Title
Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways
Author
Thomas J Bollyky
Publisher
MIT Press Ltd
Publication year
2019
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0262537966
ISBN 13
9780262537964

World of Books Inc

Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

4-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item4 to 12 business days3 to 6 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 8.27
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books — giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books – Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world’s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission …

Specialty

Second Hand - All Genre

Seller's business information

SBYB, Inc.

900 Knell Road
Montgomery, IL U.S.A. 60538