The Spanish Flu. The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has shown that despite the advancement of medicine, we are defenseless against a new virus. The world has faced such challenges more than once. Just over 100 years ago, the flu known as the "Spanish Flu" killed far more people than in World War I.
In the book by historian John Barry, the reader will find much that is familiar. The lies and cowardice of politicians and officials, the heroism and desperate enthusiasm of scientists and doctors, the fear and panic of ordinary people — all these are hallmarks of our time. You will see how the world then was unprepared to wage two wars at once — against each other and against a deadly virus, which, like enemy bullets, primarily killed the youngest and strongest. But this book is also a hymn to science, a hymn to medicine: it is not only a vivid and captivating description of the struggle against the pandemic but also a gallery of portraits of scientists, doctors, and politicians. In the future, humanity will face unknown diseases more than once, so it is essential to learn the lessons of the past well to avoid repeating previous mistakes.