A story of the amazing ways in which scientists have built on the successes of those that come before them. Overall, however, this is a story of progress. The author makes you feel very strongly the hopes and disappointments of patients, doctors, and scientists. Each of these tragedies were deeply moving. Of course there were research setbacks and not every patient survives. This first thing several people asked me when I said I was reading a book on cancer was “isn’t that depressing?”. And while his scientifically precise choice of words is clear in the appropriate sections, his word choice in the personal stories clearly conveys his empathy and respect for his patients.

He uses large words naturally and precisely, never coming across as trying too hard. Instead he takes the time to explain, clearly and simply, the scientific concepts the reader needs to understand.

Mukherjee doesn’t compromise on the details. So often, science books rely on analogies to convey the gist of a scientific concept, but gloss over the details. That’s not to say that the science was hard to understand, just that it wasn’t simplified. Intertwined with the historical narrative are the stories of the author’s patients, giving us just a glimpse of what it’s like to live with cancer.įor all of The Emperor of Maladies popular acclaim, this is not a book I would describe as “pop science”. This “biography of cancer” starts with the first documented cases of cancer, continues through initial attempts at cures, and finishes with descriptions of the most recent discoveries. Review Summary: Elegantly written, with both scientific precision and human empathy, both historical interest and fascinating stories about people.

Title: The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancerįun Fact: In 1953, American adults smoked on average 10 cigarettes a day AugDoingDewey History, non-fiction, Science 22

The emperor of all maladies author