By drawing on the latest discoveries in virology, microbiology, and immunology, Mirko Grmek depicts the AIDS epidemic not as an isolated incident but as part of the long, but far from peaceful, coexistence of humans and viruses.

Reviews

Is AIDS a new disease or not? Yes and no, says Mirko Grmek in his subtle, intelligent book... [This] compact history is a refreshingly fair account by a first-class mind with no axes to grind. -- Erik Eckholm, The New York Times Book Review Grmek has succeeded in writing what may well be the best AIDS book to date. -- Laurie Garrett, The Los Angeles Times Book Review A masterpiece of historical analysis. -- Elizabeth M. Whelan, Washington Times An important and provocative book... Anyone concerned with the origins of the epidemic and the history of HIV will want to come to terms with [Grmek's] analysis. -- Elizabeth Fee, Science Even those who have devoured the literature on AIDS will find this a deeply stimulating book. -- "The New York Times Book Review