The Story of Medicine and Disease in Malawi: The 130 Years Since Livingstone

by Michael King

Dr. David Livingstone found slavery and tribal wars. Pioneer Mission doctors saw diseases unknown in Europe, had few effective drugs, and many died of malaria. This book records their struggles, often in their own words. The gradual build-up of medical services, and striking changes in patterns of disease (including HIV/AIDS), in 150 years are described in fascinating detail. The subject is well illustrated and set in the beautiful country of lakes and mountains - Malawi.

Genres: Malawi, Africa, History

205 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 1992

About the author

Michael King was one of New Zealand's leading historians and biographers. In 2006 he was named one of 100 most important New Zealanders that have ever lived. He published more than 34 books in his lifetime. His last, The Penguin History of New Zealand, has sold more than 200,000 copies and is widely considered to be the definitive history of New Zealand. His work in literary biography - most notably Wrestling With the Angel, on the life of Janet Frame - also received great critical acclaim. He made many level-headed contributions to race-relations debates and is sorely missed by his country.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read if you're interested in Livingstone, Malawi, medicine, anthropology, history or basically anything. It's written in an easily digested way, and has many great illustrations. It has a lot of opinions though and is a little out of date now, but definitely gets you thinking about issues in a way you may not be used to - especially younger Western medical professionals.