As the outbreak of a new and deadly form of coronavirus dominates headlines and triggers fear and global recession, now is a good time to reflect on the history and science of transmissible diseases. Behind every disease is a story, from the natural history of the disease and its course in the individual, to the tale of the disease's description, discovery and treatment. From the impact of tuberculosis on English dynastic history to the makeup of our DNA; from the deadliest plagues of the ancient world to twenty-first century pandemics; and from the ravages of the Black Death to the discovery of antibodies, transmissible diseases have an incredible variety of tales to tell.

Contagion explores some of the most notorious, grisly, and pernicious communicable diseases in history, revealing their hidden stories. In addition to discussing their symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment, Richard Gunderman also discusses their impact on notable figures in history, from soldiers to monarchs; the extraordinary contributions of the scientists and physicians who battled them; as well as their impacts on world history and human evolution. Here are the exploits of Edward Jenner, who invented the first vaccine; John Snow, the first person to study disease scientifically; Louis Pasteur, who established the germ theory of infection, along with a myriad other remarkable stories in the never ending struggle between humanity and disease. The narrative is brought right up to date with the desperate battle to stem the Covid-19 pandemic and discover a vaccine.

Renowned medical expert Dr Richard Gunderman shows how disease has shaped the evolution of our species and, if we don't take the proper steps, may yet threaten our very existence on this planet.

Marie Curie coined the term 'radioactivity', and it is to her and her husband, Pierre Curie, that we owe much of our current understanding of the very fabric of reality. Born in Warsaw, Marie was the fifth and youngest child of teachers. Her father taught mathematics and science, for which she showed an early affinity, and she later went to study in Paris, where she met Pierre. The work they did together revolutionized modern science. As well as discovering the atomic rather than chemical nature of radioactivity, the Curies isolated two new elements: polonium and radium. This biography does full justice to the scientific and human aspects of Marie's life, detailing her tumultuous personal history at a time of social upheaval, and her struggle to gain recognition in an era when female scientists were almost unknown. Marie Curie died in 1934, succumbing to aplastic anaemia that may have stemmed from her scientific investigations. Her work not only contributed to our understanding of the structure of the atom - and therefore the structure of the physical world itself - but also laid the foundations for modern medical innovations such as radiotherapy. Her example continues to inspire millions of people across the world.

Known as the father of modern electricity, Nikola Tesla's work transformed the world. The scientist and engineer was devoted to discovery, registering over 700 patents in his lifetime. From X-ray to radar, to the Tesla Coil, radio and remote control, this illustrated biography reveals the development of Tesla's key theories and inventions, shining a light on the personal and professional lives of an eccentric man who, ultimately, led a life of solitude and penury despite contributing so much to modern civilization. Illustrated with rare and beautifully reproduced documents and photographs from his personal archives, Tesla is a comprehensive portrait of an everquestioning mind.