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An American Plague : The True And Terrifying Story Of The Yellow Fever Epidemic Of 1793

by Jim Murphy

Synopsis

1793, Philadelphia. The nation's capital and the largest city in North America is devastated by an apparently incurable disease, cause unknown . . .

In a powerful, dramatic narrative, critically acclaimed author Jim Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city's residents, relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts, Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia's free blacks in combating the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city--and all his papers--while escaping the deadly contagion. The search for the fever's causes and cure, not found for more than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this riveting true story of a city under siege.

Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation's birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics. Bibliography, map, index.

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Book Information

Copyright year 2003
ISBN-13 9780395776087
ISBN-10 0395776082
Class Copyright
Publisher Clarion Books
Subject HISTORY;JUVENILE NONFICTION;MEDICAL
File Size 0 MB
Number of Pages 160
Shelf No. GX806
Grade Range 5-9
Ages 10-14
Lexile 1130L
Curriculums Wit and Wisdom Trademarks