A true gem from one of our most distinguished historians of medicine. Risse's book is ambitious, original, and even brave. Driven by Fear covers an admirably wide variety of subjects and subdisciplines, and in the process truly breaks new ground in the history of public health. Moreover, Risse's prose consistently helps us feel the past
his is ... Read moreindeed an emotional as well as intellectual achievement.
Robert D. Johnston, editor of The Politics of Healing: Histories of Alternative Medicine in Twentieth-Century North America An excellent account of the largely overlooked role of pesthouses in public health history... [Driven by Fear is] deeply researched, wonderfully written, and very timely.
Western Historical Quarterly A well-researched study that demonstrates the shortsightedness of governments that focused more on satisfying business interests than on funding adequate health provisions in response to epidemics.
Journal of American History With this timely book, Risse has made an important contribution to the critical reflection of ongoing reorganisations and the apparent strengthening of federal powers in matters of quarantine and epidemic preparedness in the USA.
Social History of Medicine Thoroughly grounding his book in rich primary sources, particularly newspapers (especially the San Francisco Chronicle), and medical sources, Risse provides a model for sound historical research and storytelling, both of considerable use to undergraduates. Far more than an isolated historical account, the work continually relates the historical implications to modern medical culture and practice. Highly recommended.
Choice This study of the pesthouse, an institution designed to cope with the fear of contagious disease, is a significant contribution to the history of American medicine and public health as well as the history of immigration and ethnicity.
Journal of American Ethnic History Risse makes expert use of the history of the pesthouse to illustrate the dangers of authoritarian public health interventions . . . and makes a persuasive case for community-based, multi-directional responses that conscientiously reckon with the ways in which racial, ethnic, and class disparities frame our understanding of health and risk.
Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences Show Less