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The Fatal Breath

Covid-19 and Society in Britain
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Fatal Breath by David Vincent explores the history of air pollution and its impact on society from the industrial revolution to present day. It examines how polluted air has shaped public policies, influenced daily life, and led to significant health challenges. The book sheds light on the broader historical context behind efforts to mitigate air quality issues and the ongoing struggle to breathe cleaner air.
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Format: Hardback
$5999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the historical impact of disease outbreaks and the social changes they incite. You'll find a detailed exploration of how societies have responded to respiratory illnesses throughout history, providing insight into the intersection of health and societal evolution.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Fatal Breath is the first full-scale history of the Covid-19 pandemic in Britain. Deploying a rich archive of personal testimonies together with a wide range of research reports and official data, it presents a moving and challenging account of the crisis that enveloped Britain (and the world) in the spring of 2020.

With sensitivity, care, and an historian’s critical eye, David Vincent places the pandemic in context. While much contemporary commentary has assumed people were forced to develop entirely new ways of living and working during lockdown, Vincent reveals how the population was able to draw upon a wealth of resources and coping strategies already seen over the centuries, often reacting far more quickly and effectively than slow-moving authorities.

He tells the stories of doctors’ and nurses’ time on the frontlines, reveals the true extent of supply shortages, conspiracy theories, and vaccine resistance, and explores individuals’ newfound appreciation of nature and community in lockdown.

The Fatal Breath will appeal to anyone seeking to reflect on the past few years and how the pandemic has changed Britain – for better and for worse.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews for The Fatal Breath by David Vincent highlight its comprehensive social history of the Covid pandemic, emphasising its exploration of the UK's societal response. The book is praised for its meticulous chronicle and human perspective, celebrating resilience while addressing social inequalities. Academics and the general public alike will find its insights both compelling and crucial for understanding the pandemic's impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509551675

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 29 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 231.0mm

Weight: 635g

Pages: 336

About the Author

David VincentΒ is Emeritus Professor of Social History and former Pro Vice Chancellor at The Open University. He is the author of a number of books, includingΒ A History of SolitudeΒ (2020) andΒ Privacy: A Short HistoryΒ (2016), both published by Polity.

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