Twelve top books on history’s most fearsome diseases

At Mental Floss Marla Mackoul tagged twelve books that dive "into an infamous disease and the people battling it in various capacities, showcasing the unwavering courage and resilience of individuals in the face of indescribable tragedy." One title on the list:

Scurvy: How a Surgeon, a Mariner, and a Gentleman Solved the Greatest Medical Mystery of the Age of Sail by Stephen Bown

Stephen Bown’s Scurvy offers a vivid exploration of how scurvy, the devastating “plague of the sea,” was finally conquered. With engaging storytelling, Bown brings the harsh realities of 18th-century naval life into striking color while also showcasing the perseverance of three individuals who solved one of the greatest medical mysteries of the era, thereby revolutionizing military capabilities. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history.

Read about another book on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue