Rats, Lice and History
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1935 |
| Founder | Hans Zinsser |
| Products | Non-fiction book on typhus and history |
Rats, Lice and History is a 1935 publication authored by biologist Hans Zinsser that delves into typhus, a disease he studied in depth. Zinsser frames the work as a biography of typhus, outlining its influence throughout history. A central idea is the profound yet frequently underestimated role that infectious diseases such as typhus have played in shaping historical events, a theme later expanded upon in titles like Plagues and Peoples and Guns, Germs and Steel.
Crafted for a broad readership, Zinsser’s lively and clever prose helped the book achieve widespread acclaim and numerous reprints.
Summary
The text is divided into sixteen chapters, with the concluding four specifically dedicated to the "biography" of typhus, as indicated in the subtitle.
The initial two-thirds of the book cover foundational topics including:
- Scientific principles (such as bacteria, parasites, and the origin of life)
- The impact of ancient diseases on politics and warfare
- The role of disease carriers—rats and lice—which are key to typhus transmission
Zinsser’s classical training is evident throughout his writing, featuring allusions to classical works and occasional passages in Latin, French, and German.
Reception
Upon publication, Rats, Lice and History garnered considerable critical praise. The New York Times Book Review described it as "one of the wisest and wittiest books," notable for avoiding condescension or oversimplification. The New York Herald Tribune Books referred to it as "a fascinating volume" worthy of significant commendation.
In 1935, it was ranked eighth among bestselling nonfiction books by The New York Times.
Prominent scientists such as Emil Frei and Gerald Weissmann have acknowledged the book as a motivating influence in their professional journeys.