This book is part of DK Publishing’s “Big Ideas Simply Explained” series, and it explains key events in the history of medicine from Ancient Egypt to the present day (including the COVID-19 pandemic). It is beautifully put together, extremely well laid out and explained. Topics are grouped chronologically, and each of these “chapters” begins with a timeline that highlights the events that will be discussed in the chapter. Each event or topic section begins with an “In context” sidebar that makes connections between other concepts discussed in the book to reinforce the knowledge you acquire. It includes diagrams and charts, and mercifully few gross pictures (the grossest is a hookworm parasite, and maybe that one photo of knee surgery). It also includes cross-references to other pages in the book. It is written clearly but isn’t afraid to use technical terms—a glossary is included at the end for the benefit of the reader. There’s also a directory giving small biographies of other pioneers of medicine who were not included in the main body of the book. So lots to read, and lots to learn.

I am seriously impressed with this book. It took me weeks to read, but that’s because there was so much information crammed into it that I wanted to take my time and really absorb what I was reading. The only page I did not absorb was the one about eye surgery, because I am squeamish about that topic, but I have no doubt that it was just as well explained and laid out as every other page in this book.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an overview of the history of medicine. I will also definitely be looking for more books published by DK in this series. ( )