Angel of Death The Story of Smallpox [Paperback]

The story of the rise and fall of smallpox, one of the most savage killers in the history of mankind, and the only disease ever to be successfully exterminated (30 years ago next year) by a public health campaign.Preface: Setting the Scene 1. Know the Enemy 2. Of Man and Angel 3. First Steps in the Right Direction 4. The Ambassador's Ingenious Lady 5. Curiosa Americana 6. From Passion to Fashion 7. The greatest Improvement? 8. Everyday Tales of Country Folk 9. The Disinterested Divulger of a Salutary Blessing 10. Crusaders and Infidels 11. An Affront to the Rights of Man 12. More Fatal than Smallpox 13. The Most Beautiful Discovery or a Disastrous Illusion? 14. Lest we Forget 15. Death Throes of a Clinical Curiosity 16. Legacy of an Angel

Shortlisted for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize 2010

'Williams recounts the history of smallpox in a breezy, accessible style.' - Clive Anderson, New Scientist

'This extraordinary book brings alive the sheer horrors of smallpox and how mankind has managed to wipe it out using vaccination, pioneered by a Gloucestershire country doctor in 1796. This history has a very modern message, and this book needs to be read by everyone interested in public health today.'

- Mark Horton, presenter of BBC TV's Coast and Professor of Archaeology, University of Bristol

'The Angel of Death is a fascinating account of the most terrible disease to afflict mankind. Smallpox showed no mercy: the young, old, poor and royalty all equally at risk; whole societies almost wiped out in its inexorable wake. 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of its final eradication; Gareth Williams charts this compelling story with a plot that weaves seamlessly between cultures and centuries. Written in a wonderfully flowing and engaging style, this is a must read for all lovers of history. Highly relevant for today as the fight lives on to banish other deadly diseases from the world.'