The American Plague cover art

The American Plague

The Untold Story of Yellow Fever, The Epidemic That Shaped Our History

 Preview
This Season's Biggest Deal

$0.99/mo for 3 months + $20 Audible bonus voucher

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 28 December, 2026.
More purchase options

The American Plague

By: Molly Caldwell Crosby
Narrated by: Paul Woodson
Get this deal

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends 28 December, 2026. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $23.60

Buy Now for $23.60

This Season's Biggest Deal | $0.99/mo for 3 months + $20 Audible bonus

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo. after 3 months - terms apply.
Summary

Over the course of history, yellow fever has paralyzed governments, halted commerce, quarantined cities, moved the U.S. capital, and altered the outcome of wars. During a single summer in Memphis alone, it cost more lives than the Chicago fire, the San Francisco earthquake, and the Johnstown flood combined.

In 1900, the U.S. sent three doctors to Cuba to discover how yellow fever was spread. There, they launched one of history's most controversial human studies. Compelling and terrifying, The American Plague depicts the story of yellow fever and its reign in this country - and in Africa, where even today it strikes thousands every year. With "arresting tales of heroism," it is a story as much about the nature of human beings as it is about the nature of disease.

©2006 Molly Caldwell Crosby (P)2017 Tantor Americas Civilisation Contagious Diseases History & Commentary Medicine & Health Care Industry Physical Illness & Disease United States World Natural Disaster Africa Latin America Medicine Health

Critic Reviews

"Gripping...highly readable." Newsweek
All stars
Most relevant
Tremendous detail and effort in telling a narrative that flows well. Transported on a vivid journey, which unveiled many wonderful facts and historical stories.

Detailed, lyrical, exceptional.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.