An American Plague, Jim Murphy
An American Plague, Jim Murphy
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An American Plague
The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

Author: Jim Murphy

Narrator: Pat Bottino

Unabridged: 3 hr 47 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 01/14/2008


Synopsis

Powerful and riveting, this Newbery Honor–winning narrative describes the illness known as yellow fever, the toll it took on the nation’s capital—and the eventual triumph over the disease. Long before Covid and the West Nile virus, yellow fever was a medical mystery that forced thousands in Philadelphia, the nation’s temporary capital, to flee and brought the workings of the federal government to a virtual halt. An American Plague is a riveting account of this country’s first large-scale medical epidemic. This is the story of how half the city’s residents fled and half of those who remained died; neighboring towns, cities and states barricaded themselves; George Washington himself fled, setting off a constitutional crisis; and bloodletting caused blood to run through the streets. It is also the story of a little known chapter in Black history in which free Blacks nursed the sick only to be later condemned for their heroic efforts. Meticulously researched, first-hand accounts, newspaper clippings, death lists, and period engravings recreate the fear and panic while exploring the political, social, cultural, medical and scientific history of the times. A final chapter explores the causes of the epidemic and provides a wake-up call about the potential for epidemics today. Newbery Honor Book • National Book Award Finalist • Winner of the Sibert Medal "A mesmerizing, macabre account … powerful evocative prose … compelling subject matter … fascinating discussion … valuable lesson in reading and writing history. Stellar."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

About Jim Murphy

Jim Murphy has written two Newbery Honor books: An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 (which was also a National Book Award finalist) and The Great Fire. He lives in New Jersey. Visit his Web site at www.jimmurphybooks.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by karen on June 17, 2020

it is inconceivable to me that this is a book intended for children. the beginning part is fine, but the last chapter or so is paralyzingly terrifying. if i had read this as a child, it would have given me night terrors for years and even now i would think of it with chills, as i do with The Tailypo......more

Goodreads review by Greg on July 04, 2009

I have to admit that I learned some things from this book. I had no idea that for about 3 months the Federal government got shut down because of yellow fever. Imagine that? For three months nothing happened in the government, no laws were passed, no meetings, nothing and yet the world still went on,......more

Goodreads review by Jenny on February 27, 2022

A little dry as an audio book. The most interesting parts were in the last quarter of the book. Hearing how scientists were mocked for believing yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes and how the attempt to eradicate that type of mosquitoes saved this book from being an absolute bore for me. Newbery Ho......more

Goodreads review by Cynthia on February 12, 2019

There are themes to this one that seem a wee bit strong for a work written for youth but it should certainly garner discussion. I learned a fair number of new historical facts in this one and truly appreciated the research and concise presentation of the events surrounding the 1793 yellow fever epid......more

Goodreads review by Perri on May 21, 2020

Reading this I felt SO lucky to be in today's pandemic instead of the late 1700s with none of the modern conveniences , plus blood letting and other crazy stuff. But people are people- there are some who react badly and there are the heroes who step up. I have to agree with other reviewers who say t......more