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The Ghost Map

the Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic-- and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World
Apr 20, 2014Janice21383 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A pointed example of mankind's battle against its greatest enemy, well-meaning bone-headedness, and also the story of John Snow, who has a strong claim to be humanity's greatest-ever benefactor, Ghost Map is a thoughtful book, damaged by clumsy writing. The author rambles, airs theories that while interesting, could be better supported, and drops into casual English, possibly with the aim of being "accessible": using "you" instead of "one", "sh*t" instead of "feces", and so on. But clearly, Johnson has it in him to do better. One more draft, with the help of a forthright copy editor, would have done the trick.