Product Description

This text presents the story of the 1918 flu epidemic and discusses current scientific efforts to isolate the particular strain that was so virulent, in order to prevent the same tragedy from striking again. According to researchers, "It's not a question of if. It's a matter of when".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #803927 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Pete Davies estimates that between 20 and 40 million people died from the wave of influenza known as the Spanish Lady in 1918. A similar pandemic today could kill up to 100 million, or 1 in 60 of the world's population. Scientists may squabble over theory, but one thing they agree on is that it's not a question of "if", but "when" it happens again. This may sound like a sensationalist X-files-ish apocalyptic vision, but it's enough to bring you out in a sweat. Davies chooses to combine three themes: the history of the 1918 pandemic, the search for the virus that caused it and the current scientific research being undertaken. The saddest moments of a book of jagged tones occur when relating the details of the 1918 cataclysm. Ghostly and lyrical are the voices emanating from eyewitnesses, survivors and even official documents, of a time that seemed too cruel for words. And yet, terrible as it was, it couldn't match what was happening on the Western Front. The section with which Davies' writing skills seem most aligned describes an international team going to Norway to retrieve soft tissue from bodies buried in the frozen waste. His black humour is as dry as the wintry breeze as he observes the infighting and frostbitten egos that characterise science as much as any other walk of life. This is then nicely contrasted with the story of Johan Hultin, a lone 73- year-old Swede who goes to Alaska, digs up bodies with a shovel and then sends tissue samples to a laboratory that, sure enough, isolates the virus. Entertaining and invigorating stuff. The final theme, of the race to win the pharmaceutical war, is altogether more depressing, as the commercial giants of that world strive to make a bigger killing than any virus, with an array of DIY flu kits and "plug" drugs. Despite provoking the occasional suspicion that the ends don't quite justify the means, Davies displays considerable aplomb in the weaving of his "faction", and his well-researched sleuthing combines with an infectious enthusiasm to translate arcane science into an accessible and startling thriller that's definitely not to be sneezed at, but perhaps should be kept away from hypochondriacs. --David Vincent

Customer Reviews

Gripping, intriguing and fast-paced non-fiction.
It's fascinating, compelling and chilling, fast paced, sometimes gory, the way every good thriller should be. Except it's actually a factual account of an everyday disease which most people take for granted. Pete Davies's account of influenza, both in the past and the present, is so readable you'll forget it's non-fiction. The scientests it refers to are as well drawn and interesting as any book characters. The story takes in locations from Hong Kong chicken markets to the frozen wastes of Svalbard, and is full of factual content. You don't need to be a science student to understand the underlying biology, yet he doesn't skim over any detail. I expected to battle through it, but very soon I couldn't put it down. It deals with a real life threat that more people should be aware of. Although some may find it frightening, Catching Cold is a book that I would recommend to anyone, scientifically minded or not, and is a must for all of those interested in virology.

Excellent informative read - 5*
This book will give you an insight into a major pandemic of which little is common knowledge to many people of today. Literally thousands of people succumbed to a dangerous virus that was spread world-wide around 1915. Not only this, a more recent threat is considered by the author. It is informative of both how the virus affected people worldwide and also of the current threat to mankind and how scientists research into preventative measures. Very interesting reading and very much a 'can't put down until the end' book despite its very serious topic.

An excellent, unputdownable read, very true to life.
I see no need to describe the story, since previous reviewers have done such a good job. Having almost finished I would like to say that it's a stunning story, well told, with decent scientific explanation to flesh out the molecular biology. It doesn't focus on one story but combines several threads into one chase. The scientists characters are sadly familiar. Also there are some outstanding characters to identify with. Not just a dry text but full of 3 dimensional people and events. Well done to Pete Davis. Read it. It could use another edit to remove some odd text, but I have not ben able to put it down.

I also suggest you try

The Coming Plague, Plagues Progress and The Virus Hunters. For those who have already done so, there is always Prestons, The Hot Zone. If you don't mind the rather dreadfull writing!