Last year, as COVID-19 swept around the world causing lockdowns, quarantines, and closures, I was intrigued by pandemics and epidemics of the past. This led me to looking for a book about the Black Plague aka The Black Death, which swept through Europe in the 14th century.
Below is my review of The Great Mortality by John Kelly:
A compelling read about what was the worst pandemic in recorded human history, I felt that The Great Mortality put our current situation into a greater perspective; one that makes me appreciate the advancements in sanitation and medicine that have happened since 1347.
What I found most fascinating is that despite humanity’s technological advancements, people responded to the Black Death in parallel ways that people are responding to COVID-19. From protests and scapegoats; to those who felt they wouldn’t be affected; to those who were scared out of their minds, it’s pretty amazing to consider that human behavior hasn’t evolved one bit, even if we think we are more evolved in 2020.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an insightful read about the Black Plague and its many aspects.
Have you read The Great Mortality or another book about the Black Plague? What are your thoughts?
Back next week with another book review!