An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
by Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy recreates a frightening period of American history when a yellow fever epidemic nearly shut down the city of Philadelphia. As the epidemic spread, people began to leave. Even president Washington fled the city, along with businessmen, governors, shop owners and doctors. The delivery of goods, services and food were severely disrupted, rents increased as well as evictions, and there was rioting and looting. If not for the sacrifice of the Free African Society, many more Philadelphians would have died.
Riveting and dramatic, Murphy's well-written and well-researched novel bring the events vividly to life, making for a thoroughly engrossing read. An excellent book.
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