Review by Choice Review
The trouble with determinist historical arguments is that they are too often simplistic, reducing the reason for particular events to a single variable. McNeill (Georgetown) skillfully manages to avoid that pitfall, despite singling out yellow fever and malaria as extraordinarily important factors in the sweep of Caribbean history. Instead, he weaves ecology and environmental and political factors into his discussion of these diseases, resulting in a wonderfully readable reassessment of the major events shaping the destiny of "the greater Caribbean" (including Brazil and Panama) from the 16th century to the "golden age of health," 1885-1920. Resistance to disease was the secret weapon of local populations, first allowing the colonial Spanish an invaluable advantage over invading European forces and, in turn, shaping the success of revolutions against unseasoned Spanish troops in the early 19th century. Novelties include Toussaint L'Ouverture's calculation of how waiting until disease decimated European troops could favor his quest to liberate Haiti, and the precocious suggestions put forth by two 18th-century Mexican authors that mosquitoes were somehow responsible for yellow fever. This ambitious work is an enjoyable, convincing read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. R. M. Delson American Museum of Natural History
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
