idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
In 1662, John Graunt (1620-1674) published his "Natural and Political Observations... Made Upon the Bills of Mortality", a study considered among the most influential works in the history of science.
This biography is the first to focus on this important founder of demography and epidemiology. He lived in an era dominated by one of the deadliest epidemics in human history - the plague - and countless other dangers to life and limb. But there is much more to his story: Graunt, one of the “original fellows” of the Royal Society, was involved in the birth of modern science, based on empiricism and experimentation, and which emerged at the same time as a global capitalist economic order.
Why did Graunt, who was not a “born scientist”, write about demography and come-up with the idea of systematically evaluating mortality trends in London, using the so-called “Bills of Mortality”, at this particular time? Which sources did he draw from, what professional and family networks did he rely on, what forms of communication did he use, and what experiences informed his approach? And how lasting was the influence of his book, which had several new editions within a few years, not only in the intellectual community but also in politics, business and society?
As well as answering these questions, the book gives the reader insight into life in the vibrant metropolis of London in the 17th century. It contains original text from the “Observations”, chapters on Graunt's relationship with the East India Company and on how death and longevity were dealt with in English society, and numerous illustrations from London in the 17th century.
Dr Andreas Edel, edel@demogr.mpg.de, +49 (0) 30 2061 383 31
Zwischen Pest und Feuer. John Graunt (1620–1674) – der Mensch hinter den Zahlen (in German language). Von Andreas Edel. wbg Academic in der Verlag Herder GmbH, 1. edition, 2024, Hardcover, 456 pages, ISBN: 978-3-534-64009-6 (Open Access: available also as PDF-download).
https://www.herder.de/wissen/shop/p8/88360-zwischen-pest-und-feuer-gebundene-aus...
New publication on John Graunt
Verlag Herder GmbH
Now also available as a free PDF download at
https://www.herder.de/wissen/shop/p8/88360-zwischen-pest-und-feuer-gebundene-aus...
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New publication on John Graunt
Verlag Herder GmbH
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