Tuberculosis is examined through both the lens of science and that of social history. The disease, whose origins have recently been traced back three million years to microorganisms in the soil and water of Africa, is tracked from ancient times to medieval years through the sanatorium cures of the 1800 and 1900s. A final chapter summarizes the recent emergence of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis and efforts to halt further progression of the disease. Changes in our understanding of tuberculosis over time and evolving approaches to treatment range from the barbaric to the cutting-edge, and provide insight into social history, such as how race and class impacted access to treatment in the first half of the twentieth century. The text is supplemented with numerous black-and-white photos and other visual material, and the end matter includes detailed source notes and a bibliography. (Ages 11–15)

"Who knew the biography of a germ could be so fascinating?"--Kirkus (starred review)

This is the story of a killer that has been striking people down for thousands of years: tuberculosis. After centuries of ineffective treatments, the microorganism that causes TB was identified and the cure was thought to be within reach--but drug-resistant varieties continue to plague and panic the human race.

The "biography" of this deadly germ and the social history of an illness that could strike anywhere are woven together in an engrossing, carefully researched narrative. Includes a bibliography, source notes, and index.

This medical detective story is also a social history of a disease that has known no social bounds. Treatment that began long ago as bloodletting, and the "healing" touch of a king, centuries later grew into a worldwide sanatorium movement for children and adults. Long considered a romantic illness amongst artists and poets, treatment was often unavailable to poor and minorities.

In the end, the effort to combat TB spurred the development of public health in America and, along with HIV and Malaria, the effort to fight for global health around the world.

A Junior Literary Guild Selection * A Booklist Top 10 Science and Health Books for Youth