Plague, Empire and the Birth of Europe
Justinian’s Flea
By William Rosen
Penguin Group, 2007, $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-o-7394-9163-8
Here is an interesting read for those of you who are interested in medical history. It reads a little slow and dry, but the theoretical and historical background are extremely interesting.
“The book presents a confident mix of history, science, architecture, theology, military strategy, law, engineering and medicine to tell the story of how plague transformed the classical world and gave birth to medieval Europe. William Rosen’s canvas stretches from China to Spain, and Britain to Arabia, and his intriguing cast of characters includes emperors, priests, soldiers, and engineers as well as rats, fleas and silkworms. Justinian’s Flea transforms our understanding of many key events in the history of the last two thousand years, from the decline of Rome to the rise of Islam and beyond.” [Karl Sabbagh, author of Palestine: A Personal History.]
This book is readily available from any of the book retailers online or in store. For me it gave a perspective not only on the history of disease but also its development through the millennia. Recommended for all who are looking to the past for explanations of current viral and bacterial phenomena.
Deadly Daffodils, Toxic Caterpillars
By Christopher P. Holstege, MD and Carol Ann Turkington
Published in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang, New York
ISBN-13: 978-1-58479-492-9
ISBN-10: 1-58479-792-5
Although it has been available for a couple of years, I recently got my hands on a copy of a great little book called “Deadly Daffodils, Toxic Caterpillars”. This book covers everything in the realm of toxicity including flowers, herbs, household cleaners, parasites, stings, bites, and on and on – from azalea to zinc. It is laid out and organized in an easy to read and refer to format.
It outlines how to identify poisons; how to protect your home, pets and family; how to recognize symptoms of poisoning; and, how to take fast life-saving action. As a quick reference this is recommended for every home or office
An Informational Release for Members
From THE BRIDGE Newsletter of OIRF
Published June 2008
© Copyright 2008, OIRF, BC Canada
