Disaster!: A History of Earthquakes, Floods, Plagues, and Other Catastrophes

The book explores the persistent threats to human existence throughout history, contrasting modern fears with those faced by previous generations. It examines natural disasters like volcanoes and floods, as well as pandemics such as cholera and smallpox, alongside the atrocities committed by figures like Hitler and Stalin. By highlighting these ongoing dangers, the narrative suggests that humanity's survival has always been at risk, challenging the perception that contemporary times are uniquely perilous.