Our Bodies, Our Planet - by Marcus Hall (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In praise of parasites, a surprising exploration of the profound impact of biological freeloaders on human history and our daily lives.

Parasites and parasitic relationships are fundamental to life on Earth and to human history. Our Bodies, Our Planet explores how vital they are. Unlike harmful pathogens, parasites may produce no ill effects and may even improve our well-being and the lives of the creatures that surround us. Marcus Hall shows how our fellow travelers have evolved to help keep us alive, or else they themselves will perish. Parasitism is a phenomenon of partnership, and the association of parasite and host has had far-ranging cultural, biological, and possibly geophysical consequences. From Ascaris to Zika, we are instinctively repulsed by these little freeloaders, but what collateral effects do they have on our lives, lifestyles, or even our imagination? As Hall demonstrates, we disregard our parasites at our peril.

Review Quotes

"Are parasites always harmful to their hosts? This book explores that question and its corollary: can parasites ever be beneficial to their hosts? . . . The colloquial tone makes this challenging topic accessible to a wide audience. Recommended."

-- "Choice"

"Most of us are instinctively repulsed by these little freeloaders, but Hall highlights the collateral effects they have on our lifestyles and imaginations. . . . Instead of viewing these intimate creatures simply as pathogens that produce disease, [Hall] concludes that many parasites can be re-envisioned as cooperators and symbionts. Humans and their army of parasites march together down life's path, often to the benefit of each other."

-- "Geographical, "Book of the Month""

"The thought of parasites usually evokes a powerful reaction of repugnance. Yet Hall puts a positive spin on this group of biological freeloaders that comprises more than half of all species of life on Earth. Acknowledging that many parasites are pathogens (causing disease in humans, wildlife, plants, and crops), he points out that numerous others function as collaborators or benefactors to their hosts in relationships known as mutualism."-- "Booklist"

"Hall's book broadens our view of world health by its laser focus on parasites as a collective protagonist. And more so this book highlights the historical ecology of parasites as a category of the study of affliction. An excellent and challenging book."--James McCann, professor emeritus of history, Boston University

"This book will change everything you thought you knew about parasites. Hall takes us on an exhilarating journey, upending preconceptions and accepted wisdom, and encouraging us to embrace our inner parasites."--Nicole Boivin, Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology and honorary professor, School of Social Science, University of Queensland

"Hall takes readers on an illuminating historical tour of the human microbiome, arguing that we should consider extending the conservationist agenda to the many parasites that call us home. The most thought-provoking book I've read in ages."--J. R. McNeill, author of "The Webs of Humankind" and "Something New Under the Sun"

About the Author

Marcus Hall is professor of environmental history at the University of Zurich. His books include Earth Repair, Restoration and History, and Mosquitopia.