Book Review: Influenza 1918: Disease, Death, and Struggle in Winnipeg By Esyllt W. Jones

Authors

• Mark Osborne Humphries, Mount Royal College

Date of this Version

2008

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Great Plains Research,18:2 (Fall 2008). Copyright © 2008 by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

Jone's argument is convincing, even if the book relies a little too heavily on newspaper accounts. On the other hand, the author makes use of the unmined files of the Manitoba Mothers' Allowance and the Winnipeg Children's Home to catch a rare and fleeting glimpse of familial life during the pandemic.

On the whole, Influenza 1918 is a stylistically mature, well-documented, and engaging book that delivers cogent and insightful analysis on a timely topic. It is the new standard for studies of the flu and epidemics in Canada and will serve as an excellent model for some time to come.