An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

Bibliography
Murphy, Jim.
An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
New York, Clarion Books, 2003. ISBN 0-395-77608-2

Plot Summary
This book gives first-hand accounts of the epidemic, Yellow Fever that plagued Philadelphia in 1793. The book also includes newspaper articles and archived prints to tell the story of this very difficult time and the tragic effect on people living in Philadelphia at that time. Yellow fever eluded many of the doctors in physicians of the time. This caused manic paranoia and created a fear that crippled the city.

Critical Analysis

The first chapter is an attention grabber! Murphy gives accurate accounts of the Yellow Fever and how the epidemic spread throughout the city in 1793. Using diary entries, historical archives, and anecdotal records Murphy captures the grim details of this horrible disease. The black and white illustrations, drawings, and portraits of individuals explained each and provided a citation. These illustrations came from The Library Company of Philadelphia, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. There are illustrations every two pages so it makes it easy to read.  The pictures allow the reader to really go back in time and feel how others may have felt experiencing this horror. The language of the book is suitable for young children and provides details to understand the content. A reoccurring theme of the book is the arrogance and ignorance of those in power. This book is very educational and reads almost like a mystery in my opinion. 

Awards & Review Excerpts 
2003 National Book Award Finalist
2004 Newberry Honor Book

The New York Times: “Lavishly illustrated…Murphy unflinchingly presents the horrors…he has produced another book that can make history come alive.”

School Library Journal: “solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories…extensive and interesting…you’ll have students hooked on history.”

Booklist: “History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account…brings the ‘unshakeable unease’ chillingly close.”

Connections
Students can research different epidemic diseases and how they are treated today. In what parts of the world are they found and how are they treated.

Discuss how mosquitos or other animals can transmit disease.