“Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape from Contagion” Book Talk with Richard Conniff

Ours is not the only period in history that has grappled with the devastating effects of infectious disease. On April 27 at 7:00 p.m., Essex Library will host local author Richard Conniff for a talk about his timely new book, Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape from Contagion.

Conniff reaches back to 1676, where he begins his story of how infectious disease came to be understood and in some cases, overcome, as our thinking on disease evolved from blaming noxious miasmas, bodily humors, and divine dyspepsia. In addition to covering the scientific breakthroughs in preventing infectious diseases, Conniff includes the improvements in sanitation and technological development of the microscope and syringe and their importance in putting an end to deadly diseases. As contagion was brought under control, the most obvious benefit was an increase in longevity. Conniff explains that conceptions of family life and childhood also transformed. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

In addition to this sweeping and detailed telling of the grim effects of disease and the grit and persistence of those who fought to bring epidemics under control, Conniff is the author of many other books including The Species Seekers: Heroes, Fools, and the Mad Pursuit of Life on Earth; Swimming with Piranhas at Feeding Time: My Life Doing Dumb Stuff with Animals; The Natural History of the Rich: A Field Guide; and House of Lost Worlds: Dinosaurs, Dynasties, and the Story of Life on Earth as well a National Magazine Award winner as a writer for Smithsonian magazine, The Atlantic, and National Geographic, among others. He has been a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times and been a commentator on NPR.

This program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560 or visit www.youressexlibrary.org.