Books from the Backlog, hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books, is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your shelf unread.
I am featuring books in the order that they were added to my Goodreads To-Read shelf, so sometimes there will be a couple weeks in a row of books on the same topic.
Neglected Book of the Week
Why did I add Justinian's Flea to my TBR?
Because long before the Black Death came around (seven centuries, give or take a few years), there was another plague that devastated the known world and changed the course of history. Why wouldn't you want to read about that?
Have you read this book, or is it somewhere on your TBR? If you've read it, would you recommend it to others?
Happy Reading!
Sarah
It's always so fascinating (and a little scary) to read about epidemics and plagues.
ReplyDeleteIt is! Especially when a new one could be in the making. I probably won't read it until the coronavirus is under control.
DeleteHaven't heard of this book, although I've probably run across the epidemic itself a time or two. I know "plague" hit the Roman empire several times, once amid the reign of Marcus Aurelius, but I'm not sure what's meant by it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about it until I came across this book a couple years ago. My interest in the Roman empire has waned over the years but this aspect will be really interesting I think.
DeleteI do like to learn about this kind of thing. It is so interesting to me how different illnesses have spread and had a devastating impact. I hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is one I was completely unfamiliar with until I discovered this book. I was under the impression the black plague was the worst of the worst, but you know those Romans always have to one-up everyone!
DeleteI haven't read it, but I must say that it sounds fascinating. I'm especially interested in plagues. I don't know why.
ReplyDeleteI am the same way! I think part of it is just how quickly it can spread, and how whole empires have fallen, whole cultures and societies have disappeared or radically changed forever.
Deletei haven't read it, but anything apocalyptic/dystopian catches my attention
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
This one definitely fits the bill!
DeleteI find historical plagues fascinating to read about, but I can't bring myself to read about contemporary ones. :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed, those hit too close to home - especially this new virus going around. They showed footage from the plane that landed here in Omaha, and the ground team was in full-on hazmat suits with crazy breathing apparatus, I am genuinely very concerned about this one.
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