Foreign Bodies

In "Foreign Bodies," Simon Schama explores the historical interweaving of pandemics and vaccines across different eras and regions, highlighting stories of fear, suffering, and scientific breakthrough from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Through vivid narratives set in various settings—from hospitals to prisons—he introduces a diverse cast of characters, including overlooked heroes like Waldemar Haffkine, whose contributions to public health altered the course of history. The book emphasizes the global interconnectedness of humanity amid health crises, illustrating that in facing shared challenges, we are all part of one human family.