Emerging Infectious Diseases and Society (PDF)

PETER WASHER has taught at University College, London and Imperial College, London, UK. His research interests are in representations of infectious diseases. He is editor of Clinical Communication Skills (Oxford University Press).

Shortlisted for the BSA Sociology of Health and Illness Book Prize 2011

'A meticulous dissection of the threats from infectious disease, and our responses to them. The book offers an unusually clear account of how perception of biological reality is shaped by society and culture. Essential reading for plotting the territory between panic and pandemic.' - Jon Turney, Author of The Rough Guide to the Future

'Emerging Infectious Diseases and Society is an engrossing account of the historical underpinnings of the idea of emerging disease, and a trenchant dissection of the ways in which it is put to social and political use today. Washer writes in clear, even-handed language that makes the book rewarding reading for the public and professionals alike. He masterfully translates complicated scientific debates to reveal the deeply embedded fears, myths and misconceptions that characterize contemporary thinking about infectious disease. Along the way he deftly unmasks what they tell us about contemporary global social and political relationships.' Professor D. Ann Herring, McMaster University, Canada

'This informative, crystal clear book charts the rise of the Emerging Infectious Diseases discipline in the context of political, social and cultural forces. It contains a particularly wonderful and original chapter on the role played by the dirt, germs and the immune system in conceptualisations of Emerging Infectious Diseases.' - Dr Helene Joffe, Division of Psychology, UCL, UK

'The incidence of infectious diseases has increased in the past two decades with a threat of further increase in the future...The present volume is a social chronicle of the cultural, political and historical context in which this new public health threat emerged. This is an erudite, informative, and insightful small book on how it all happened.' - Choice Magazine

'In Emerging Infectious Diseases and Society, Peter Washer tells a very simple yet effective