Descriptions, Reviews, etc.
Description:
In a powerful narrative, Murphy describes the illness that took its toll on the residents of Philadelphia in 1793, relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Illustrated with archival prints. Bibliography. Map.
Brief description:
Jim Murphy's nonfiction books have received numerous awards, among them two Newbery Honors, the Sibert Medal, three Orbis Pictus awards, the Margaret A. Edwards award, the James Madison Book Award, and a National Book Award nomination. Born and raised in New Jersey, Jim lives in Maplewood, NJ, with his family.
jimmurphybooks.com.
Review Quotes:
"A mesmerizing, macabre account...powerful evocative prose... compelling subject matter...fascinating discussion...valuable lesson in reading and writing history. Stellar." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Leisurely, lyrical tone...Murphy injects the events with immediacy...archival photographs...bring the story to life...comprehensive history." - Publishers Weekly
"Laudable insight...Readers view the panic from several vantage points...allows his audience to share the contemporary complexity...truly absorbing." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
"Solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history." - School Library Journal
"History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account...brings the 'unshakeable unease' chillingly close." - Booklist
"Diverse voices...representative images...Everywhere, Murphy is attentive to telling detail...Thoroughly documented...the work is both rigorous and inviting." - Horn Book Magazine
"Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy...transparently clear and well-paced prose...grueseome medical details...also plenty of serious history"
- Washington Post Book World
"Superbly written...represents nonfiction at its best...extremely accessible and readable...captivating...an outstanding annotated bibliography...an excellent choice" - Voice of Youth Advocates
"Lavishly illustrated . . . Murphy unflinchingly presents the horrors. . . . he has produced another book that can make history come alive. . . ." - New York Times Book Review
"Murphy's dramatic history book...brings to life the determination and perseverance of a people whose future was uncertain." - Christian Science Monitor
