Brief: The $100M Free Press

The book chronicles the devastating cholera outbreak in London's Soho district in 1854. It centers around Dr. John Snow, who created a map to trace the outbreak back to its source—a contaminated water pump—and Reverend Henry Whitehead, whose local knowledge was crucial in determining the cause. The narrative explores the historical context, the scientific and cultural roots of the miasma theory, and the impact of this event on modern urban planning, public health, and scientific inquiry. The book also reflects on broader themes such as urbanization, environmental crises, and the role of cities in solving the problems they create[2][3][4].