THE GHOST MAP

The intertwined histories of the spread of disease, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry.

It's the summer of 1854, and London is just emerging as one of the first modern cities in the world. But lacking the infrastructure-garbage removal, clean water, sewers-necessary to support its rapidly expanding population, the city has become the perfect breeding ground for a terrifying disease no one knows how to cure. As the cholera outbreak takes hold, a physician and a local curate are spurred to action-and ultimately solve the most pressing medical riddle of their time.

Steven Johnson is the bestselling author of eleven books. He's the host and co-creator of the Emmy-winning PBS/BBC series How We Got To Now.