The White Plague: Tuberculosis, Man, and Society

I could barely put this book down. One fascinating theme is the link between perceptions of the symptoms of TB and social class. When TB was primarily a white, upper-class disease, the symptoms were viewed with esteem. For example, pale, thin, frail people were thought to be particularly bright, creative, and appealing. But that is scratching the surface -- there is so much that is compelling and interesting about this book.

DuBos et al examine the social aspects of the TB epidemic, along with some of the biological factors. They show how TB was romaticized, how it was portrayed as a demon coming to rob the healthy of life, and how it sparked scientific invention - in particular the stethescope. The introduction is wonderful as it lays out the basic parts of the book. Words of advice: this book is best read as a whole from beginning to end, as the authors build on the arguments they make in past chapters.