The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread--And Why They Stop, Paperback

From fake news to COVID-19, a "smart and engaging" (New York Times) look at why the science of outbreaks is the science of modern life

It's undeniable that we live in a world shaped by outbreaks. Whether it's pandemic disease, misinformation, or violence, grasping why exactly some things spread is essential for understanding the world around us. In The Rules of Contagion, Adam Kucharski uncovers the crucial factors driving outbreaks, exploring what it actually means for something to "go viral." He offers compelling insights into human behavior, ultimately showing us how we can all get better at predicting outbreaks--and how they can be stopped. Revised in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a comprehensive and essential guide to our times.

About author(s):Adam Kucharski is an associate professor and a Sir Henry Dale fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where he works on analysis of infectious disease outbreaks. He is also the author of The Perfect Bet. He lives in London.