The Ghost Map

By: Steven Johnson

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

This is a thrilling historical account of the worst cholera outbreak in Victorian London and a brilliant exploration of how Dr. John Snow's solution revolutionized the way we think about disease, cities, science, and the modern world.

The Ghost Map takes place in the summer of 1854. A devastating cholera outbreak seizes London just as it is emerging as a modern city: more than two million people packed into a 10-mile circumference, a hub of travel and commerce, teeming with people from all over the world, continually pushing the limits of infrastructure that's outdated as soon as it's updated. Dr. John Snow, whose ideas about contagion had been dismissed by the scientific community, is spurred to intense action when the people in his neighborhood begin dying. With enthralling suspense, Johnson chronicles Snow's day-by-day efforts as he risks his own life to prove how the epidemic is being spread.

From the dynamic thinker routinely compared to Malcolm Gladwell, E.O. Wilson, and James Gleick, The Ghost Map is a riveting story with a real-life historical hero. It brilliantly illuminates the intertwined histories of the spread of viruses, the rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry. These are topics that have long obsessed Johnson, and The Ghost Map is a true triumph of the kind of multidisciplinary thinking for which he's become famous. This is a book that, like the work of Jared Diamond, presents both vivid history and a powerful and provocative explanation of what it means for the world we live in.

©2006 Steven Johnson (P)2006 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"An illuminating and satisfying read." (Publishers Weekly)
"A formidable gathering of small facts and big ideas." (New York Times Book Review)

Very crucial narrating for a dense historic novel.

This novel contains dense historically significant information which can be tough to push through if not thoroughly enthused to read. Not to diminish from the quality of the novel, but there were times I was struggling to continue the book. The narration done by Alan Sklar highly improves" The Ghost Map" as I both read and listened to this book within one afternoon and evening. I definitely recommend both the audiobook and novel.

Strangely Baritone, but worthy

I do not always want perfect radio voices reading to me, but this one took some time to get used to. The narrator has a very unique voice, and I'm not sure why they picked him. He does a good job, just in an extreme baritone with a dramatic murder-mystery show type promo voice. It doesn't sound real. I love this author, he hops about and makes great connections. His writing reminds me of a fun show I used to watch on TV called "Connections" actually. That breaks up the story and takes you on wonderful asides. Its been a bit, but I remember loving the story of Doctor Snow and the discovery here of waterborn illnesses is fascinating, and learning how it led to new city planning and other innovations. This is my least favorite by this author, however. Which is not exactly a compliment, but not a slight either. He just writes great books. It might rate higher if not for the intensity of the vocals.

Non-fiction that reads like fiction

If you could sum up The Ghost Map in three words, what would they be?

Biology, history and sociology....cartography and epidemiology, too.

What other book might you compare The Ghost Map to and why?

The Hot Zone, a real mystery that involved you like a mystery novel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, yoko much factual information to grasp without pondering.

I’m an epidemiologist and I learned something new.

I completely recommend this book to those who don’t know John Snow and to those who thought they did.

Good book

So glad this story was written. Wisdom that can be applied to present times. I didn’t like the epilogue though.

Two books-- one great, one not so

Most of the book is a fascinating mix of Victorian English social history and medical detective story. The last quarter changes gears dramatically to become a paean to urbanization and the power of mapmaking in sociological study. Pretty incongruous. Still, it's worth it-- especially if you need a shorter book.

The time has come! Read it!!

Going straight into my classroom on Environmental Science. Its a must read! Johnson delivers history of science in a way that grabs us and will not let go. Viva la science.

Epidemiology

Interesting story about the cholera epidemic in London in the mid 1800's and the source discovery. Sometimes wanders into other supporting details to the extreme. But core story an interesting one.

Excellently well done! Beautiful performance!!

Thank you so much for your performance, and for bringing this book to those who may not easily be able to read or have access to braille versions of this book. it was a thrilling listen, and an incredible tale.

Cholera's desmytification

If you could sum up The Ghost Map in three words, what would they be?

This tale of John Snow, a researcher who sought the cause of a massive and lethal outbreak of what would ultimately be known as Cholera, in 1850s England, does a fine job of illustrating life and the habits that led to the outbreak, as well as the fear and helplessness of people who lived whilst the scourge was underway. Snow's dogged efforts to locate the origins and "map" the outbreak, as well as his frustrations with public officials, who were slow to move away from erroneous, but more accepted, ideas about the source of cholera, have shaped public health policies for growing cities since. He also helped devise early anesthesia at a time when surgeons worked without it. Given a 4 (4.5 really) for the story because the conclusion gets a bit long. Still, this work is very interesting and we all owe much to Mr. Snow, especially when we sip a refreshing glass of water from the tap.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved that Mr. Snow's work was validated by other scientists. It also was pretty amazing to see someone focus so fully on stopping this disease.