Duel Without End: Mankind’s Battle with Microbes

«brilliantly written, original, and very timely» – Get History “Highly recommended. All readers” – Choice «sweeping (…) fascinating» – The Independent «A masterpiece … It will change your view on world history for ever.» – Nettavisen (Norway) «Makes the reader think of Jared Diamond.» – Klassekampen (Norway) «A fantastic journey through the history of pandemics.» – Nils Chr. Stenseth, professor of ecology and evolution «Exciting … elegant.» – Håkon Sjursen, professor of infectious diseases «Literary flair and solid expert knowledge.» – Ivar Bakke – Man of Letters «Magnificent.» – Morgenbladet (Norway) «A cornucopia of knowledge and delight in storytelling.» – Erlend Hem, professor of medicine One of two of “The Best History Books of the Year 2022” according to Get History : «Given the upheaval of the last two years, the book is particularly timely and relevant, but it is also something that is quite unique: it is decent history written by a specialist from a different discipline. Because FrøOland is a medical expert in contagious diseases, he brings a scientific, insider perspective to the history of medicine, but he does so in an entirely approachable and engaging way.» From pre-dawn to COVID-19, from ancient plagues to future microbial threats, a sweeping look at the past, present, and future of infectious diseases—and how we battle them. In this panoramic and up-to-date account, we learn how the Black Death, smallpox, the 1918 influenza pandemic, and other great epidemics have not only led to enormous suffering and mass death but have also contributed to the fall of empires and changed the course of history. We also discover how new infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 emerge—and how we wage war against them. Humanity has struck back at the microbes: antibiotics and new vaccines have saved millions of lives. But the battle with these relentless, silent enemies is far from won. We face increasing threats from new and unavoidable pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and even potential extraterrestrial microbes. Duel Without End is a fascinating journey through the long history of infection, from the dawn of life to humanity’s future exploration of deep space.