The Emperor of All Maladies

By Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Emperor of All Maladies - Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • Release Date: 2010-11-16
  • Genre: Medical
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 728 Ratings

Description

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a documentary from Ken Burns on PBS, this New York Times bestseller is “an extraordinary achievement” (The New Yorker)—a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence.

Now includes an excerpt from Siddhartha Mukherjees new book Song of the Cell!

Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee examines cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with—and perished from—for more than five thousand years.

The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out “war against cancer.” The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist.

Riveting, urgent, and surprising, The Emperor of All Maladies provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer treatments. It is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer.

Reviews

  • Compulsive Read

    5
    By grantg441
    Siddhartha Mukherjee takes us on a riveting, dramatic, and ultimately hopeful journey through the history and personality our our species greatest malady. Mukherjee’s knowledge and genuine interest in oncology is evident through his use of engaging writing and equally motivating subject matter. Read. This. Book.
  • Incredibly good!

    5
    By Fuzz37
    The best biography one can expect about the most horrific disease known to man.
  • Extremely captivating

    5
    By Flash Bunny
    I am extremely impressed by how the author manages to make a book about cancer so captivating. Mukherjee describes the human journey of tackling cancer’s treatments, causes and potential cures through vivid stories of scientists, doctors, and advocates and their tireless pursuit of a cure.
  • The Emperor of All Books

    5
    By Ali Apple
    Once you start reading you won't let it go, the language is perfect and I was amused by lots of insightful information. Allah bless us all. Thank you doctor for this book and... We want more!
  • A complete look

    5
    By OG Snowflake
    A fascinating history of cancer. It was dramatic and moving and scary. Got the Pulitzer for a reason. This author is CONSUMED with his subject.
  • Empowering

    5
    By eSteve Z
    I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in May of 2011. My CML is under control. This book helped me deal with my initial shock and anxiety over being told that I have a blood cancer. It is difficult to read of the suffering endured by many over the centuries but immensely heartening to hear of the courage and triumph of many. If you have cancer or are sensitive, keep a tissue or handkerchief close and be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. Read it to the end. You will not be sorry.
  • Fascinating journey through the history of cancer

    5
    By scapula0002
    There was always a grip on the subject and SM very eloquently details the internal conflicts and an inertia to believe in another's scientific evidence among physicians dealing with cancer. Kudos, I learnt a lot
  • Absolutely Riveting!

    5
    By Billfish62
    Pure facts and simple emotions under one cover. Anyone ever touched by cancer--that is, everyone--should experience this horrific ride looking over the shoulder of the monster.
  • Magnificent and riveting!

    5
    By Wild Bill from Oregon
    This is a must-read for anyone battling ... or who may someday be battling ... cancer. Of course, this means all of us!
  • Riveting!

    5
    By icop357
    Obviously based on massive research, this book portrays the personal struggles of the many individuals who have devoted their life on the war against cancer.