The Barbary Plague by Marilyn Chase

It took a while for me to finish this book. Over a year to be exact. But picking it back up again was as if I'd discovered a new book. The story just took off and kept me reading for days. I found myself researching some of the San Francisco information I found in the book. Things like Islais Creek and Butcher town, Chinese Six Companies, 401 Filmore where the rat lab was, Charles De Young owner of the SF Chronicle, the old Hibernia Bank that somewhat survived the earthquake and Merchants Exchange which did survive it. One man though stands out above the rest; Dr. Ruppert Blue. A very well documented book. Below is my Amazon review:

Medical Detectives Triumph Over Political Protest, January 26, 2010

By	W. Powell - See all my reviews

This book was as interesting to read for its detection and triumph over bubonic plague as it was for the political powers too concerned with loss of profit to admit that plague even existed. The well researched study of plague in early 20th century San Francisco exposes the ignorance and evils of man during times of crisis. You'll learn much about the social conditions that can contribute to the spread of disease, most of all the human pride and ignorance that sways public opinion and leaves the unsuspecting public vulnerable to the spread of disease.

One of the lessons one comes away from this book with is how our news media has long been partnered with the politics of its day in revealing or concealing pertinent information that could have dire consequences on the people its supposed to inform. Funny how similar practices in journalism today are said to be politically motivated.

The book reads at times like a detective story, a medical journal, a historical guide, an old west novel, a racial profiling treatise, a political scandal, a battle diary, a post-earthquake memoir.

I've read a few books about various plagues and epidemics and usually the focus is on cause and effect. What was so engrossing about this book was the real life human aspect of dealing with the disease. There are heroes and there are cowards throughout. Author Marilyn Chase needs to be commended for her thoroughly researched book. Her ability to recreate early San Francisco and the peoples who populated it during the most trying time of its existence makes this story a historical classic.