A pioneering and groundbreaking work of narrative nonfiction that offers a dramatic new perspective on the history of humankind, showing how through millennia, the mosquito has been the single most powerful force in determining humanity's fate. Why was gin and tonic the cocktail of choice for British colonists in India and Africa? What does Starbucks have to thank for its global domination? What has protected the lives of popes for millennia? Why did Scotland surrender its sovereignty to England? What was George Washington's secret weapon during the American Revolution? The answer to all these questions, and many more, is the mosquito. Across our planet since the dawn of humankind, this nefarious pest, roughly the size and weight of a grape seed, has been at the frontlines of history as the grim reaper, the harvester of human populations, and the ultimate agent of historical change. As the mosquito transformed the landscapes of civilization, humans were unwittingly required to respond to its piercing impact and universal projection of power. The mosquito has determined the fates of empires and nations, razed and crippled economies, and decided the outcome of pivotal wars, killing nearly half of humanity along the way. She (only females bite) has dispatched an estimated 52 billion people from a total of 108 billion throughout our relatively brief existence. As the greatest purveyor of extermination we have ever known, she has played a greater role in shaping our human story than any other living thing with which we share our global village. Imagine for a moment a world without deadly mosquitoes, or any mosquitoes, for that matter? Our history and the world we know, or think we know, would be completely unrecognizable. Driven by surprising insights and fast-paced storytelling, The Mosquito is the extraordinary untold story of the mosquito's reign through human history and her indelible impact on our modern world order.
Mark Winegardner Book order
Mark Winegardner delves into the shadowed corners of the American dream, exposing the intricate relationships and moral quandaries that shape human destinies. His prose is characterized by a penetrating insight into character psychology and a refined style that immerses readers in compelling narratives. Through his works, he examines how power, ambition, and familial bonds impact individuals and society at large. Winegardner masterfully builds upon established literary worlds while infusing them with new depth and perspective, establishing himself as a captivating storyteller.







- 2019
- 2006
A third and final installment in the best-selling epic chronicle of the Corleone crime family finds New Orleans under-boss Carlo Tramonti deported to Colombia, an event for which he turns dangerously vengeful and triggers a series of events that changes the course of American history. 400,000 first printing.
- 2004
The Godfather : the lost years
- 672 pages
- 24 hours of reading
This novel takes place in the years 1955-1965, but it is built upon the story of that 'year of delicate political manoeuvring' - and how, in winning the battle that year, Michael Corleone set the stage to lose the war. Originally published: London: Heinemann, 2004.
- 2001
Crooked River Burning
- 588 pages
- 21 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of Cleveland's transformation from 1948 to 1969, the story follows David Zielinsky and Anne O'Connor, whose love story unfolds amidst the social and political upheaval of the era. As reluctant star-crossed lovers, their relationship reflects the challenges of a turbulent country. The narrative intertwines real-life figures like Eliot Ness and Carl Stokes, showcasing the city's history with a blend of skepticism and affection. Mark Winegardner's storytelling captures the essence of Cleveland, creating a vivid and poignant epic.
- 1998
The essays delve into the significance of food in American culture, featuring contributions from renowned writers like Paul Auster and Lorrie Moore, who share personal reflections on meals ranging from a Provençal onion tart to a Chinese take-out Christmas dinner. Each piece offers unique insights into how food shapes our identities and experiences, showcasing a diverse array of voices, including Julia Alvarez and Richard Russo, that highlight the intersection of culinary traditions and personal narratives.