Alfred W. Crosby Jr. was an interdisciplinary researcher who bridged history, geography, biology, and medicine. He investigated the historical causes behind the unequal distribution of global wealth, exploring the biological factors that facilitated European expansion. A central theme in his work was the profound impact of epidemics on human history, recognizing the significant influence of events like the 1918 flu pandemic. Crosby is also credited with coining the term 'Columbian Exchange,' a concept that has fundamentally shaped historical discourse.
"The best thing about this book is its overarching thesis, the concept of a Columbian exchange. This provocative device permits Crosby to shape a lot of familiar and seemingly unrelated data into a fresh synthesis. . . . The implications of this interplay between novel biological and social forces are fascinating." Journal of American History.
We don't often recognize the humble activity of cooking for the revolutionary cultural adaptation that it is. But when the hearth fires started burning in the Paleolithic, humankind broadened the exploitation of food and took one of several great leaps forward.
Thirty years ago, Alfred Crosby published a small work that stressed a simple point - that the most important changes brought on by the voyages of Columbus were not social or political, but biological in nature. This 30th anniversary edition includes a new preface from the author.
The narrative explores the devastating influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, which resulted in the deaths of over 25 million people globally. It delves into the social, medical, and historical implications of the outbreak, examining how it spread and the responses from various governments and health organizations. The book highlights personal stories and the broader impact on society, offering a comprehensive look at one of the deadliest pandemics in history and its lasting effects on public health.
Exploring the evolution of human capabilities, this book delves into the significance of accurate throwing and fire manipulation. Historian Alfred W. Crosby examines how these skills have enabled the development of simple weapons, atomic bombs, and space exploration, highlighting their impact on human progress and innovation.
This 1997 book discusses the shift from qualitative to quantitative perception which occurred in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance and which was to lead to western domination of science and technology.
A fascinating study of the important role of biology in European expansion, from 900 to 1900.