Very, Very, Very Dreadful: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 by Albert Marrin

 

4 Star

In the beginning of 1918 World War I was being fought when troops began coming down with influenza.  By the summer, a second wave of the epidemic was traveling around the world, through the troops and civilians alike.  Influenza killed more millions more soldiers than the war had.  In the space of eighteen months 500 million people contracted influenza.  They can only estimate the lives lost was between 50 and 100 million. 

This book was so intriguing.  It combines historical information with science.  It also looked at the impact that was had on the world due to the epidemic.  This is written for a young adult audience which makes it more readable then some other books on the subject.  I really liked seeing the different pictures Marrin selected for the book.  It helps enhance what you’re reading.  It was interesting to see how disease was handled in the early 20^th century.  If you’re looking for a quick but informative read this definitely one you should pick up.