In a thought-provoking discussion, bestselling author and historian Simon Schama delves into the complex history of pandemics, particularly focusing on cholera in 19th century India and the innovative pioneers behind vaccination efforts. He examines the emotional challenges of public health campaigns and the dynamics of colonial medicine. Schama also reflects on lessons from history regarding misinformation and vaccine denial, emphasizing how understanding our past can guide us in addressing contemporary health crises. Host Kavita Puri adds depth with her insights.
50:34
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Haffkine's Cholera Vaccine
Waldemar Haffkine, a Jewish scientist from Odessa, developed a cholera vaccine.
He tested it on himself and others in Paris, then went to India for larger trials.
insights INSIGHT
Haffkine in India
Haffkine's work in India was groundbreaking, using Indian assistants and slum dwellers in his research.
The British authorities initially disregarded his microbiological approach, favoring disinfection campaigns.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Plague Vaccine Production
Haffkine's plague vaccine production in India was remarkably successful, reaching up to 90,000 doses/day.
He faced resistance but persevered, conducting comparative trials and advocating for widespread vaccination.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe is a historical novel that vividly captures the impact of the bubonic plague on London in 1665. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a fictional narrator, 'H. F.', who reflects on the societal and personal turmoil caused by the epidemic. Defoe skillfully blends factual elements with anecdotes, creating a vivid tapestry of fear and resilience during this dark period.
Horseman on the Roof
Horseman on the Roof
Jean Gionneau
Foreign Bodies
Sir Simon Schama
In *Foreign Bodies*, Simon Schama delves into the history of pandemics and vaccines, weaving a narrative that spans continents and centuries. The book highlights key figures like Waldemar Haffkine, who developed vaccines against cholera and bubonic plague, and explores the intersection of science, politics, and human experience during times of crisis.
The betrothed
Alessandro Manzoni
The Decameron
Giovanni Boccaccio
The Decameron is a collection of novellas written by Giovanni Boccaccio, composed between 1349 and 1353. The book is structured as a frame story where ten young people (seven women and three men) escape the Black Death in Florence by retreating to a villa in the countryside. Over ten days, each member of the group tells a story, resulting in a total of 100 tales. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including love, fortune, wit, and deception. Boccaccio's work is notable for its humanistic perspective, emphasizing intelligence and wit over dogma, and it provides a vivid portrayal of contemporary urban society during the time of the plague. The Decameron has had a profound influence on Renaissance literature and continues to be a significant work in Italian literature[1][3][4].
The Plague
Albert Camus
The Plague, written by Albert Camus, is a philosophical novel that chronicles an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the coastal city of Oran, Algeria. The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the occupation of France during World War II and the rise of fascism. The novel follows Dr. Bernard Rieux and his colleagues as they battle the plague, highlighting themes of everyday heroism, the absurdity of human suffering, and the collective response to disaster. As the city is placed under quarantine, the citizens face isolation, despair, and eventually, a sense of social responsibility and solidarity. The novel explores existential and theological questions, particularly through the characters of Dr. Rieux and Father Paneloux, and concludes with a reflection on the enduring nature of human suffering and the importance of human solidarity in the face of adversity.
Partition Voices
Kavita Puri
Partition Voices: Untold British Stories by Kavita Puri is a non-fiction book that captures the experiences of South Asians who lived through the partition of India in 1947 and later settled in Britain. The book includes interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a nuanced perspective on the trauma and legacy of partition. It explores how these events continue to shape the identities and family dynamics of those affected, providing a powerful insight into a pivotal moment in history.
This is the second instalment a two-part discussion. Bestselling author, historian and broadcaster Simon Schama discusses Foreign Bodies, his new epic history of vulnerable humanity caught between the terror of contagion and the ingenuity of science. Produced in partnership with the British Library, the talk looks at how the narrative of cities and countries engulfed by panic and death, desperate for vaccines but fearful of what inoculation may bring, is one we have seen before in the past as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic. Joining Schama in conversation is our host, Kavita Puri, the award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author of Partition Voices: Untold British Stories.
We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2.
And while you’re listening, why not visit Intelligencesquared.com and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about some of our great upcoming events and deals.
If you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared. Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Intelligence Squared 
