Non-fiction

Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American plague: The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary: This book chronicles the true story of the dreaded yellow fever epidemic that invaded Philadelphia in 1793. This terrible epidemic, whose cause was unknown at the time, took the lives of thousands of people in a few weeks. Vivid accounts of the disease and how it affected its victims are provided, taken from actual accounts from doctors and newspaper reports. The well researched book shows what life was like during that time, both socially and politically. It also gives us interesting accounts of medical practices during that time and how doctors sometimes did more harm than good for their patients. This epidemic which occurred during the time of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson affected many lives and quite possibly changed history. It also brought about some positive changes to the city such as cleaning up waste and changing the way that water was supplied to the city. We now know that these improvements did little to alleviate yellow fever, but even so, they were improvements. The book also has a chapter on more recent outbreaks of yellow fever and what has been learned about the disease. While there is still no cure for the disease, determining that it is carried by mosquitoes was a major breakthrough that has allowed us to help prevent it in many cases. Also, modern medicines which were not available in the early days of our nation now help fight the symptoms. Even so, this dreaded disease still has the potential to kill many even today. The book provides a warning that we need to be aware and take steps to prepare for another epidemic.

Analysis/Impressions: This book provides superior coverage on the topic of yellow fever without overwhelming young readers. The focus of the book is clear and the facts are presented in a way that keeps it in the forefront. Enough detail is provided to help readers gain a true understanding of the epidemic.

The author knows his subject well and is able to present it with clarity in his writing style. While the book is factual, it is written in an interesting, easy to read style. By telling the stories of what happened to the victims, and the words they wrote, or what was reported that they said, the author lends a human, personal touch to the writing. Also, the language used is appropriate for the intended audience.

The book is organized in chapters that move chronologically through the events of those weeks. Nearly every chapter is headed with a quote from that time period. A complete list of sources at the end of the book provides plenty of material for students who wish to do more in depth research. A helpful alphabetical index is provided as a reference aid. While this book could be used for student research, it could also provide pleasure reading for some who enjoy reading historical accounts.

The author has qualified himself for writing this book by his extensive research. He gives facts, but is also quick to point out when he is unable to do so. He supports his facts with real accounts taken from primary resources and leaves the rest to our imagination. Some of the descriptions of vomiting, diarrhea and bloodletting might make some young people squeamish, but they are taken from actual descriptions of symptoms and are factual, not merely sensational.

The book is illustrated with black and white archival prints. They are well placed and don’t overwhelm the text. While the front cover design is not that outstanding, the back cover contains an interesting archival print of bloodletting which was practiced on yellow fever patients in the 1700’s. Prints of newspaper articles from that time begin most of the chapters. Use of these documents and prints reinforces the credibility of the author’s writing.

While the book tells about the yellow fever epidemic it also does a good job of talking about the social and political climate of the time. It also brings out some little known facts about some of our founding fathers such George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. It was interesting to read that the tradition of presidents having a summer White House started when George Washington removed himself to a safe location to avoid the yellow fever. Dolley Madison, wife of one of our American presidents, lost her first husband to the fever, and suffered from it herself. Also, we learn about the brave black Americans who were among the few willing to nurse the sick. A chapter on recent developments and discoveries brings us up to date on yellow fever and what is being done to prevent it.

This book is an excellent example of nonfiction that can be useful for teaching and enjoyment. It has won a Newbery Honor, the Robert Sibert Medal and was a National Book Award Finalist.

Review Excerpts:

“With his customary care, Murphy culls from a number of historical records the story of the yellow fever epidemic that swept Philadelphia in 1793, skillfully drawing out from these sources the fear and drama of the time and making them immediate to modern readers.” (Horn Book Magazine, July/August 2003, vol. 79, no. 4)

“ Some of the details are amusing, such as Murphy's description of how men, women, and even children walked around with cigars in their mouth, in the belief that the smell of tobacco would ward off the disease.” (School Library Journal, Sept 2004, vol. 50, no. 9)