Summary

In "In the Wake of the Plague," Norman F. Cantor explores the Black Death of 1348-49, a biomedical disaster that decimated Europe. He sets the stage by highlighting the modern-day threats of infectious diseases and bioterrorism, drawing a parallel to a time when understanding and combating pandemics were severely limited. The book challenges the notion that modern society is immune to such widespread devastation and sets the stage for an exploration of how the Black Death reshaped the course of history.

Cantor vividly describes the limited medical knowledge of the 14th century, contrasting it with modern capabilities while acknowledging that even today, pandemics can overwhelm our defenses. He outlines the prevailing Galenic theories of bodily humors and the limited effectiveness of treatments like bloodletting. This stark contrast underscores the helplessness of people during the Black Death and emphasizes how deeply society was affected by an event it could neither understand nor control.

The book then examines the Black Death from both micro and macro perspectives. On a microcosmic level, Cantor delves into the lives of individuals, families, and institutions, revealing how the plague influenced their behavior, consciousness, and the social, political, and economic systems. On a macrocosmic level, he connects the Black Death to the long history of infectious diseases, drawing upon the growing body of knowledge in medical history to provide a broader context for understanding the plague's significance. From the role of superstition and religion, to cultural impacts in art and literature, the author shows the many facets of the Black Death in Europe.

Ultimately, "In the Wake of the Plague" is a detailed exploration of a pivotal moment in history. It explores a society grappling with a catastrophe it barely understands, revealing how the Black Death not only caused immense suffering but also catalyzed profound and lasting transformations in European society and culture.